By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent
EXPECT more cloudy skies and rains because of a low pressure area near Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday.
Pagasa raised the alert level. As of 11 am yesterday, the weather bureau warned against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Pagasa said the rains spawned by the low pressure area are expected to continue today or until tomorrow, and would affect Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.
As of 10 am yesterday, low pressure area was moving some 215 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur or 270 km east of Davao City.
Daizy Baran, Pagasa weather specialist at El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental, said the low pressure area would continue to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms in northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao region, Soccsksargen up to the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, and Southern Leyte areas in the Visayas.
Baran said Pagasa issued a “heavy rainfall” warning yesterday morning, raising the alert levels to “orange” and “yellow.”
Pagasa’s yellow warning means floods are most likely to happen in low-lying areas. especially those near rivers. An orange warning means the situation has become alarming as rains are already resulting in floods, and landslides are expected.
Under Pagasa’s orange level warning were Surigao del Sur, particularly the towns of San Agustin, Marihatag, Cagwait, Bayabas, Barobo, Hinatuan, Bislig, and Lingig;
San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Trento, and Santa Josefa in Agusan del Sur; Monkayo in Composlela Valley; and Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental.
Under Pagasa’s yellow warning were other areas in Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Norte.
Pagasa said the low pressure area have also brought light to moderate rains in Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, Agusan del Norte, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, Digos City, and Bansalan in Davao del Sur.
The weather bureau advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management councils to take appropriate actions, monitor the weather conditions and Pagasa’s advisories.
Baran however said the low pressure area may not develop into a tropical cyclone that would make landfall in the country.
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