PAGASA: Flash floods, landslides now threaten south Luzon

After devastating areas in Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas in past weeks, flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rains now threaten parts of Quezon province in Southern Luzon as well, state weather forecasters said Friday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said heavy rains are caused by the diffused tail-end of a cold front affecting Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. “Residents in Quezon, Bicol and Eastern Visayas should take precautions. The northeast monsoon and the diffused tail-end of a cold front are still strong," PAGASA forecaster Manny Mendoza said in an interview on dzBB radio. At least 42 people had been reported dead in the wake of floods and landslides in past weeks. For Friday, PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin said the northeast monsoon is still prevailing over Northern and Central Luzon. “Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rains over Quezon Province, Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Luzon will be mostly cloudy with scattered rains," it said. On the other hand, PAGASA warned fishermen along the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas. “Medyo malakas ang alon sa karagatan sa silangan, maging sa taas sa kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon (Expect big waves at the east and the northern and western parts of Luzon)," Mendoza said. — LBG, GMANews.TV