OCD warns of more landslides, floods; 'Emong' still a threat

Authorities warned residents of some parts of Metro Manila and other areas in northern and central part of Luzon of increased risk of flash floods and landslides amid the continuous heavy downpour the past weeks.

- By AARON RECUENCO, ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ, and MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, officer-in-charge of Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said the continuous rainfall has already saturated soil in high-risk areas.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had earlier reported that close to 3,000 barangays nationwide are considered highly vulnerable to floods and landslides.

Of those prone to flash floods and rain-induced floods, 412 barangays are located in Metro Manila while more than 200 others are located in various parts of Central and Northern Luzon.

Alejandro said heavy flooding remains a key challenge in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon which are still reeling from the effects of tropical cyclone "Crising," successive low-pressure areas, and the southwest monsoon or "habagat."

Rainfall exceeds July average The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday, July 24, that several areas in Luzon have recorded rainfall amounts that exceeded their average total for the entire month of July due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

From July 18 to 23, Sangley Point in Cavite received 963.7 millimeters (mm) of rain, which is more than double its average monthly total of 456.5 mm.

Abucay in Bataan, a new PAGASA station without an established average yet, recorded the second-highest rainfall during this period with 916 mm.

Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Zambales received 886.8 mm, exceeding its average rainfall for July, which is 805.1 mm.

"The heavy rains were mostly caused by the southwest monsoon, which was further strengthened at times by tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong," said PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja.