Metro Manila and several areas in Luzon are under close watch as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued rainfall warnings and flood advisories due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) on Wednesday evening.
Areas under the orange rainfall warning, including Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac, are expected to receive between 15 millimeters (mm) and 30 mm of rain within the next two hours. Pagasa cautions that flooding remains a significant threat in these areas. Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, placed under the yellow rainfall warning, will experience between 7.5 mm and 15 mm of rain, with flooding possible in flood-prone locations.
Pagasa also forecasts light to moderate rain, with occasional heavy downpours, over Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon in the next three hours. Nueva Ecija is currently experiencing light to moderate rains, which are expected to continue for the same duration.
The situation is further compounded by Super Typhoon Carina, located approximately 380 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour. Carina carries maximum sustained winds of 380 kph and gusts reaching up to 230 kph, significantly enhancing the southwest monsoon.
As of 5:00 AM on July 25, Pagasa issued Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 28, highlighting the impact of the enhanced southwest monsoon. The advisory details the following:
- Orange Warning Level: Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. The primary associated hazard is flooding, which remains a pressing threat.
- Yellow Warning Level: Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Metro Manila. Flooding is a concern, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Additionally, light to moderate rains with occasional heavy showers are expected over Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna in the next three hours. Rizal and parts of Quezon, including General Nakar and Infanta, are also experiencing light to moderate rains, which may persist and potentially affect neighboring areas.
General Flood Advisories were issued at 6:00 AM, covering multiple regions:
- CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region)
- Region 1 (Ilocos Region)
- Region 2 (Cagayan Valley)
- Region 3 (Central Luzon)
- Region 4A (CALABARZON)
- Region 4B (MIMAROPA)
- Region 5 (Bicol Region)
- Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Pagasa advises residents in these regions to stay alert and monitor weather updates. Those in flood-prone and low-lying areas should be prepared for potential evacuation and ensure that emergency kits are ready. The public is urged to heed warnings from local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.