Rains, floods to persist in coming days

Continuous rains and flooding are expected to persist in the coming days as a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon jointly affect wide areas of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned yesterday.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the state weather bureau reported that the southwest monsoon is bringing cloudy skies, rain-showers and thunderstorms, particularly over Palawan, CALABARZON (excluding Quezon) and parts of Western Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area located 175 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, is expected to remain stationary for now but may gradually move westward in the coming days.

The LPA is already affecting the Bicol Region and is forecast to extend its influence over Quezon and Aurora provinces by tomorrow.

PAGASA has raised a weather advisory warning of moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters in several areas, with increased risks of flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying or mountainous regions.