Philippines: Adverse weather forecast across southern and central regions through at least April 7 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across southern and central parts of the Philippines through at least April 7. Heavy downpours and overflowing rivers could trigger flooding and landslides.

As of April 6, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) have warned of a low-pressure area bringing moderate to heavy rain over Caraga, Davao, and Northern Mindanao regions as well as Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces through early April 7. Light to moderate rain is forecast over the rest of the Visayas and the rest of Mindanao as well as the Bicol Region. The following flood advisories are in place across the affected area:

• Severe flood advisory (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale): Caraga and Davao regions.

• Moderate flood advisory: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions as well as Palawan Province.

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

Reports indicate that some residents in Kawas and Ladol barangays, Sarangani Province, Soccsksargen Region as well as Compostela Municipality and Barangay Tuboran in Davao de Oro Province, Davao Region were evacuated due to flooding. The Nabunturan-Maragusan Road in Sitio Salaysayon, Barangay Cambagang in Maragusan town, Davao de Oro Province, is impassable due to a landslide; clearing operations are ongoing. All classes at public and private schools in Davao de Oro Province are suspended April 6 due to the adverse 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)