Above normal level rainfall in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the above normal level of rainfall that Cebu has experienced yesterday, the Office of the Civil Defense-7 has not recorded any single flooding or landslide as of press time last night.

OCD operations assistant Nelmar Tongzon said they have not received report of any damages or casualties brought about by the rain, adding that Region 7, particularly Cebu, has only experienced scattered rainshowers.

A Low Pressure Area (LPA) that has the potential to develop into a Tropical Cyclone was spotted 725 kilometers East of Visayas as of yesterday, bringing continuous rain in Cebu and scattered rains in the rest of the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather station in Mactan has cautioned the public against flashflood and landslide especially those living along the coast and the river and those in landslide prone areas.

Pagasa-Mactan Weather Observer IV Bolivar Artiaga said that as of last night, they have recorded 98 millimeters of rain which is above the normal level.

He said that under normal days, precipitation measurement only reaches about 10 mm or a little over that.

The recorded 98 mm of rain that fell since the morning yesterday already poses threats of floods and landslides.

Artiaga said the rain will likely continue until today.

Pagasa advised residents in danger areas to stay alert or be cautious enough to immediately evacuate.

“Based on its (LPA) distance from the land, the LPA has the time to gather more strength and develop into a cyclone before it reaches here. The public should brace for more rains,” Artiaga said in Cebuano.

Should the LPA develop into a cyclone, it will be named Tropical Cyclone “Karen.”

Tongzon said they continuously monitor the situation and undertake precautionary measures. — /FPL (FREEMAN)