Philippines: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and central regions through at least Feb. 24 /update 3

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast across eastern and central parts of the Philippines could potentially cause flooding in some areas through at least Feb. 24. Heavy downpours and overflowing rivers could trigger flooding and landslides in parts of Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas provinces.

As of Feb. 23, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) have issued the following flood advisories across the affected area:

• Severe general flood advisory (the third-highest level on a four-tier scale): Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon provinces in Bicol Region; and Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte provinces in Eastern Visayas Region.

• Moderate general flood advisory: Quezon Province in Calabarzon Region; and Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces in Western Visayas Region.

• Final general flood advisory (for areas where light rain is forecast and flooding is no longer expected unless significant downpours occur): Cagayan and Isabela provinces in Cagayan Valley Region; Aurora Province in Central Luzon Region; and Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon provinces in Mimaropa Region.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Severe flooding has been reported in parts of Eastern Visayas Region as of Feb. 23. Several homes in Tacloban City in Leyte Province and Basey in Samar Province have been inundated by floodwaters. The mayor in Tacloban City suspended classes and non-essential work in the city Feb. 23 due to the severe weather.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Adminstration (PAGASA)