By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter and Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
A TROPICAL depression that entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) was expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rain over large parts of Luzon this week, raising the threat of floods and landslides as communities recover from the effects of recent storms.
“Our primary concern in the coming days will be the impact of [Tropical Depression] Pilandok, which will continue to pull or strengthen the southwest monsoon,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Daniel James E. Villamil told a briefing in Filipino on Sunday.
Pilandok entered PAR on Sunday morning with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 55 kph. As of 10 a.m., it was located 1,225 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon and was moving west-northwest.
PAGASA said the tropical depression was unlikely to make landfall in the Philippines or trigger tropical cyclone wind signals. However, forecasters said its interaction with the southwest monsoon could bring prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain over western sections of Luzon.
Mr. Villamil urged local governments and residents to closely monitor weather advisories and heavy rainfall warnings in the coming days.
“Remain prepared and alert for potential flooding and landslides,” he said.
Under PAGASA’s latest forecast, Northern and Central Luzon could receive up to 200 millimeters of rain. Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Occidental Mindoro may experience up to 100 millimeters of rainfall.
The state weather bureau said rainfall is expected to shift farther north through Tuesday, affecting the Ilocos Region, Benguet and Batanes.
The approaching weather disturbance comes as parts of Luzon continue to recover from Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, which, together with the southwest monsoon, caused widespread flooding and landslides in recent weeks.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that as of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the combined effects of the weather systems had left 32 people dead, 19 injured and three others missing.
Benguet recorded the highest number of fatalities at 15, all linked to landslides. Four deaths each were reported in Rizal and Batangas. Other fatalities were recorded in Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, La Union, Occidental Mindoro, Negros Occidental and Caloocan City.
The NDRRMC said about 8.1 million people had been affected by the successive storms and monsoon rains.
More than 43,500 displaced residents remain in 523 evacuation centers nationwide. A total of 117 cities and municipalities remain under a state of calamity.
Infrastructure damage was estimated at P6.16 billion, while agricultural losses reached P2.32 billion, according to the agency.
The government has provided P1.69 billion worth of assistance to affected communities.
Persistent rainfall has also increased water levels in major dams.
PAGASA reported that Binga Dam opened six spillway gates on Sunday morning and discharged 410.4 cubic meters of water per second. Ambuklao Dam also opened four spillway gates and released 265.49 cubic meters per second.
The water level of Angat Dam, the primary water source for Metro Manila, rose to 198 meters from 194.5 meters.
Malacañang said government agencies have been ordered to remain on alert and respond to communities affected by bad weather.
“The condition of our fellow countrymen and the affected towns is being monitored,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said told reporters in a Viber message. “Government agencies have been ordered and reminded to swiftly respond to the needs of the victims of the heavy downpours.”
Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon relieved the maintenance chief of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office over what he described as unsatisfactory performance and delays in responding to calamities.
“In view of repeated reports concerning your unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response to calamities, you are hereby relieved of your duties as maintenance chief of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, effective immediately,” according to a memo addressed to the maintenance chief.
The Department of Public Works and Highways said the action was part of efforts to boost accountability within the agency and improve disaster response operations.
The department earlier deployed six pumping units to flood-prone areas in Las Piñas, including Zapote Junction and Alido, to help clear floodwaters and make roads passable.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year, making flooding and landslides among the country’s most recurring natural hazards.
With Pilandok expected to enhance the southwest monsoon over the coming days, authorities are urging residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories and prepare for possible evacuations should conditions worsen.