MANILA — As the Philippines continues to experience the effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” heavy rains are once again expected to soak today, Thursday (19 Sept 2024)0 large parts of Luzon and Visayas.
Despite two tropical cyclones—Tropical Depression Helen and Tropical Storm Gener—having already exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the relentless downpours persist, causing concern for communities vulnerable to floods and landslides.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a weather advisory early Thursday morning, warning of intensified monsoon rains, particularly over the provinces of Zambales and Bataan.
These areas, along with parts of Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Occidental Mindoro, and northern Palawan, are expected to face moderate to heavy rainfall over the coming hours.
While the southwest monsoon brings much-needed rainfall to agricultural regions, it also triggers frequent flash floods and landslides—particularly in urban and rural communities unprepared for such volumes of water. In the bustling capital of Metro Manila, as well as in the provinces of Abra, Benguet, and the Ilocos Region, PAGASA forecasts scattered rains and thunderstorms.
This combination of weather conditions could aggravate the already difficult situation for many Filipinos still reeling from previous storms.
The winds accompanying the monsoon are also a cause for concern, particularly along the western coast of Luzon. Strong gusts are expected to churn the seas, making it perilous for seafarers. The two tropical systems, though no longer within the country’s vicinity, have worsened conditions, enhancing the effects of “habagat” in a nation already on alert.
PAGASA continues to monitor potential threats, including a low-pressure area that could form from cloud clusters currently located in the western and eastern parts of the country. While the weather bureau does not anticipate immediate development within the next 24 hours, the looming presence of yet another weather disturbance adds a layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that the combined impact of Tropical Depression Helen, Tropical Storm Gener, and the southwest monsoon has already claimed the lives of 20 individuals, a stark reminder of the human toll weather systems like these often exact.
As the rain continues to pour, the communities of Luzon and Visayas brace for more uncertainty. For now, the people of these regions remain vigilant, hoping for clearer skies while grappling with nature’s unpredictable fury.
ia/mnm
