The Philippines is bracing for another round of heavy rains and potential flooding as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and tropical depression Gener continue to batter the country. PAGASA, the state weather bureau, has issued warnings for widespread moderate to heavy rains, with the potential for torrential downpours in some areas.
The impact of these weather systems is already being felt, with hundreds of residents in Occidental Mindoro evacuating due to relentless rains and flooding. The bad weather has also forced class suspensions in several areas.
While the habagat is expected to bring heavy rains to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon and Visayas, tropical depression Gener is predicted to unleash its fury on Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras, and parts of Central Luzon.
PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for several areas in Luzon, including Cagayan, Isabela, and the northern portion of Quezon. The agency has also warned of rough seas, making sea travel risky for small seacrafts.
Gener is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours, before crossing mainland Luzon and exiting the Philippine area of responsibility between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
While the possibility of Gener intensifying into a tropical storm before hitting land cannot be ruled out, another weather disturbance, tropical storm Pulasan, is being monitored. Though currently located far from the Philippines, Pulasan is predicted to briefly enter the northeastern tip of the Philippine area of responsibility.
With the threat of more flooding and landslides looming, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant.
