ILOILO City – Western Visayas may see a reduced threat from heavy rainfall in the coming days, although residents are still being urged to remain watchful for localized hazards as the southwest monsoon continues to affect the region.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed most of Western Visayas under the “minimal” impact category in its Heavy Rainfall Impact-Based Forecast No. 10 issued at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
The assessment covers conditions through Wednesday, Aug. 12.
For Sunday, PAGASA classified Palawan and the rest of Western Visayas under minimal impact, while Occidental Mindoro was placed under the higher “minor” category.
A similar situation is expected Monday, Aug. 10, with Occidental Mindoro remaining under minor impact and Palawan and Western Visayas staying at minimal.
By Tuesday, Aug. 11, all three areas are forecast to fall under the minimal category. The same outlook is expected to continue Wednesday.
The forecast suggests that the likelihood of widespread serious effects from heavy rainfall is decreasing, but it does not rule out localized flooding and other rain-related problems, especially in areas already saturated by several days of inclement weather.
PAGASA said areas experiencing a minor rainfall impact could encounter temporary interruptions to household and business activities, as well as possible disruptions to classes and work.
Agriculture may also be affected, particularly crops at critical growth stages, while some aquaculture facilities and equipment could sustain damage.
Travel could become difficult in affected areas, with road disruptions potentially lengthening journey times. Makeshift houses and structures built from light or unreinforced materials may also sustain light to moderate damage.
The weather bureau likewise warned of possible minor injuries, isolated effects on health facilities, and interruptions in electricity and telecommunications services.
Western Visayas has experienced days of rain and rough weather associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, resulting in flooding, evacuations and disruptions to maritime transportation in parts of the region.
In Iloilo City, severe weather on Saturday also brought strong winds that uprooted and damaged trees in several areas.
Despite the improving impact forecast, residents in flood-prone and other vulnerable communities are advised to continue monitoring PAGASA bulletins and advisories from their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
PAGASA’s latest impact-based forecast remains valid until 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, or until an earlier bulletin is issued./PN
