The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of possible flooding in major river systems in Eastern Visayas due to rains brought by a low pressure area (LPA).
In an advisory issued early Tuesday, PAGASA identified several rivers in six provinces that would likely be affected by the downpour.
These watercourses are in Sangputan, Palo, Solano, Daguitan, Marabong, Cadacan, Bongquirogon, Salug, Pagbanagaran, Pagsangahan, and Binahaan in Leyte; and Catarman, Bugko, Pambujan, Catubig, Palapag, Mano, and Gamay in Northern Samar.
Other affected rivers are in Oras, Dolores, Ulot, Taft, Borongan, Suribao, Llorento, Balangiga, and Sulat in Eastern Samar; Basey, Silaga, Calbiga, and Jibatan in Samar; Bisay, Himbangan, and Pandan in Southern Leyte; and all river systems in Biliran.
People living in low-lying areas near these river systems have been advised to stay alert for possible flash floods.
Those residing near mountain slopes have been told to watch out for signs of landslides.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has identified 2,433 villages in the region as highly susceptible to flooding and urged their respective local governments to take precautionary measures.
As of 3 a.m. Tuesday, the LPA was estimated at 335 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
The weather bureau asked the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to continue monitoring updates on the weather disturbance. (PNA)
