Tropical Depression Querubin Heightens Flood and Lahar Risks in Visayas and Mindanao

Residents in the Visayas and Mindanao regions are urged to be vigilant as Tropical Depression Querubin escalates the dangers of flooding and lahar flows due to heavy rainfall. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also noted that the shear line is impacting Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the broader Davao Region, compounding the weather-related risks. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has highlighted a range of potential hazards including heavy rains, flooding, flash floods, lava flows, ashfall, strong winds, rockfalls, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic density currents that residents should be aware of during this period. The aftermath of Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption on Negros Island continues to affect parts of the Visayas, with travel to these areas strongly discouraged to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of the local population. The OCD has called on local government units to enact preparedness and response strategies, spread critical warnings and alerts, and prepare for the worst-case scenarios, which may involve pre-emptive evacuations and the strategic placement of emergency relief supplies.