Habagat loosens grip on Luzon, but flood risk remains high in these areas
MANILA, Philippines – The southwest monsoon, or habagat, is finally easing over many parts of Luzon, but the danger is far from over. PAGASA warns that the ground is already so waterlogged that even lighter rain could trigger flash floods and landslides. This is not the time to let our guard down, especially for our kababayans in the provinces.
In its 5 p.m. briefing on Monday, August 10, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the habagat continues to blanket almost all of Luzon and Western Visayas. However, some areas are already seeing patches of blue sky and improving weather. Still, the agency advises everyone to stay vigilant.
Which areas should prepare for the heaviest rain?
For the next 24 hours, from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, heavy to intense rain of 100 to 200 millimeters is expected in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. These are the areas that could bear the brunt of the remaining monsoon fury.
Moderate to heavy rain, between 50 and 100 mm, will continue in Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Batangas. Our brothers and sisters in these regions should keep their flashlights and emergency kits ready.
By Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon, the heavy rain zone shrinks further. Only La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro will see moderate to heavy rain. By Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, only Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro remain under that warning.
La Mesa Dam overflows, threatening low-lying communities
Monday's downpours pushed La Mesa Dam in Quezon City past its spilling level of 80.15 meters. PAGASA recorded the water level at 80.17 meters by 5 p.m., while the Barangay North Fairview Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee reported 80.24 meters by 7 p.m.
When La Mesa Dam overflows, it is not just a Quezon City problem. Communities in Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, and Valenzuela City, especially those living near the Tullahan River, face a serious risk of flooding. Our local officials must be on their toes, ready to evacuate families at a moment's notice.
What is the latest death toll from the monsoon and recent storms?
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday morning that the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, Tropical Depression Luis, and Tropical Storm Maymay (Kujira) have left at least eight people dead, nine others injured, and one missing. These are not just numbers. They are our fellow Filipinos. We must remember them and work to prevent more tragedies.
Is a new typhoon approaching the Philippines?
PAGASA is also monitoring a tropical storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with the international name Peilou. As of 3 p.m. Monday, Peilou was located 3,000 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, moving eastward away from PAR at a brisk 35 kilometers per hour (km/h). It has maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gustiness of up to 90 km/h. PAGASA says Peilou is not expected to enter PAR, so we can breathe a little easier on that front.
The weather bureau earlier predicted that two to four tropical cyclones could develop within or enter PAR in August. So far, Luis and Maymay are this month's entries. We must stay prepared for whatever comes next.
As we weather this habagat season, let us look out for one another. Check on your elderly neighbors. Secure your roofs and windows. And always, always listen to your local authorities. This is not just about surviving the storm. It is about building a stronger, more resilient Philippines. – Manny Pacquiao, Archipelago Times