Weakened monsoon to still bring rains

MANILA, Philippines — While the southwest monsoon has weakened, it will still bring rains over northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers are forecast over the Ilocos Region, Benguet, Zambales and Bataan.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will see partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms also due to the southwest monsoon.

It warned of possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said that an estimated 566,086 individuals were directly affected by the monsoon rains that brought flooding to many areas.

A total of 253 flooding incidents and three landslides were reported to the NDRRMC.

An estimated 10,000 individuals are still staying in 149 evacuation centers in Regions 3, 9, Mimaropa, CAR and Metro Manila.

Some 25,335 families were also displaced and are staying outside evacuation centers.

Damage to agriculture has climbed to P337.6 million.

PAGASA said it is monitoring an active tropical cyclone outside of the Philippine area of responsibility.

The tropical depression was spotted 2,770 kms. east of extreme northern Luzon and was carrying sustained winds of 45 kms per hour and gustiness of up to 55 kph.