PAGASA chief: Rains to continue

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuanos should continue to expect rain that causes flooding in the next few days due to weather phenomenon habagat or the southwest moonson.

This, despite the absence of a low pressure area or a tropical depression threatening the country.

“Ang southwest monsoon ang hinungdan ato. Mag ulan-ulan gihapon ta karong gabii (last night). Hinay inig sugod unya kalit nga mouwan,” said Oscar Tabada, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Visayas chief, referring to yesterday’s rain that was accompanied by lightning flashes and thunder.

He said today’s weather forecast is the same as yesterday’s, with the sun coming out in the morning, the day becoming cloudy around noon, and rain pouring in the afternoon until the evening.

The southwest monsoon, he said, is a warm, moist air from the equator that easily forms into storm clouds, causing rains even without a typhoon or LPA in an area.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo yesterday urged the public to reduce the risk of flooding by refraining from throwing or dumping garbage indiscriminately.

He stressed that the community should be aware that irresponsible throwing of garbage can clog canals and drainage pipes, contributing to flooding in the community.

“We should bear in mind that each of us shares a certain degree of the problem of flooding, as garbage eventually ends up in our streets and waterways,” he said.

Cebu City barangay Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, Labangon, Mabolo, and Bonbon were identified by a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-7 geohazard mapping as prone to flooding.

In neighboring Mandaue, the barangays found susceptible to flooding are Subangdaku, Mantuyong, Umapad, Opao, Alang-alang, Guizo, and Pakna-an. (FREEMAN)