LPA to bring rains over Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area will bring moderate to occassionally heavy rains in the Visayas and Mindanao before Christmas, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

The weather disturbance entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday and was spotted at 150 kilometers east of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur as of 3 p.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The tail-end of a cold front is affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon.

The low-pressure area is not likely to intensify into a storm, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau said the low-pressure area and the tail-end of a cold front would bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms in the Visayas and Bicol region.

Mindanao, Calabarzon and and Mimaropa will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorm.

“Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to take appropriate action against possible floods and landslides,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley and Aurora province.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rains.

At least 200 persons died when back-to-back Typhoons Urduja and Vinta caused floods and landslides during last year’s Christmas holidays.