By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Several areas in Luzon remain under Signal No. 1 after tropical depression “Butchoy” made landfall twice over Quezon province on Thursday (June 11).
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) maintained Signal No. 1 over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, southern portion of Aurora, Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and northern portion of Quezon around 11 p.m. Thursday.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 over some municipalities in Quezon province has been lifted. Butchoy made landfall over Polillo Island around 5:30 p.m. and over Infanta, Quezon at 6 p.m.
Around 10 p.m. Thursday, Butchoy was already in the vicinity of Baliuag, Bulacan while moving towards Pampanga and Tarlac provinces.
Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are still expected until Friday noon over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, and Occidental Mindoro.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are also likely over Visayas, Caraga, Davao region, and the rest of Luzon.
PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains are likely over Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains may prevail over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Panay Island, Marinduque, the rest of Palawan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac.
PAGASA continued to warn the public to remain alert for possible floods or rain-induced landslides that may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
Areas under Signal No. 1, Visayas, Southern Luzon, and the western portion of Mindanao may also experience occasional gusts associated with Butchoy and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
PAGASA also advised fisherfolk and those using small sea craft to prevent from setting sail into the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas due to moderate to rough seas.
Meanwhile, larger sea vessels must take precaution against rough seas.