The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a stern warning about the potential for flooding and landslides in the Eastern Visayas region, specifically in Leyte and Samar, as heavy rainfall continues to be influenced by a low-pressure area and a shearline. Mario Peñaranda, the head of PAGASA’s Tacloban station, highlighted the forecast of moderate to heavy downpours across various parts of the region during a recent phone interview. He urged residents to brace for the possible effects of these weather conditions, which could lead to flash floods and landslides. Peñaranda also mentioned the likelihood of thunderstorms bringing heavy rain showers, lightning, and strong winds. PAGASA has pinpointed numerous rivers across six provinces that are at risk of swelling due to the heavy rainfall, including Sangputan, Palo, Solano, Daguitan, Marabong, Cadacan, Bongquirogon, Salug, Pagbanagaran, Pagsangahan, and Binahaan in Leyte; Catarman, Bugko, Pambujan, Catubig, Palapag, Mano, and Gamay in Northern Samar; Oras, Dolores, Ulot, Taft, Borongan, Suribao, Llorente, 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. Additionally, PAGASA is closely monitoring a low-pressure area within the country’s area of responsibility, which has a significant chance of escalating into a tropical depression within the next day.
