Philippines
National
PAGASA issues flood advisories for river basins in Pampanga, Cagayan, Bicol due to 'Ulysses'
PAGASA issues flood advisories for river basins in Pampanga, Cagayan, Bicol due to 'Ulysses'
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued flood advisories for river basins in Pampanga, Cagayan, and Bicol region ahead of the anticipated landfall of severe tropical storm "Ulysses."
Flood advisory number 2 was issued for the Pampanga River Basin due to the slow to gradual rise of the Upper Main Pampanga River and its eastern major tributaries -- Coronel, Digmala, Santor, Penaranda, Angat Rivers -- that may occur beginning Wednesday afternoon.
Likewise, slow to gradual rise of rivers/tributaries Abacan, Pasig-Potrero, Porac-Gumain within the Pasac-Guagua sub-basin are likely to follow in the evening.
PAGASA said that based on the latest cyclone track, "Ulysses" is likely to cross the landmass near or over the southern end of the Pampanga River Basin from Wednesday through Thursday.
In anticipation of this scenario, moderate to heavy rains are likely to occur over the basin starting at the eastern sections starting Wednesday afternoon.
PAGASA warned of possible rain-induced landslides and flash floods at the western slopes of Sierra Madre mountains particularly in the eastern part of Nueva Ecija, eastern part of Bulacan, and Pampanga-Tarlac area.
Flood bulletin number 5 was also issued for the Cagayan River Basin due to the projected moderate to heavy rains in the next 12 hours.
The Middle and Lower Cagayan Rivers and their tributaries remain "above alarm level" due to threats of flooding over low-lying areas in Isabela and Cagayan.
PAGASA advised residents living near low-lying areas, particularly those adjacent to and along the affected rivers to remain alert against possible landslides and flash floods.
The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils were also asked to take appropriate actions.
PAGASA has also issued the first flood bulletin for Bicol River Basin on Wednesday morning due to possible flooding in low-lying areas and urban areas with poor drainage systems.
As of 9 a.m., flooding was already occurring near Ombao Bicol River, while a rapid rise of water level was observed at the Quinali River.
A gradual rise in water level is also observed in Lake Buhi, Barit/Iriga River, and Sipocot River, while the slow rise in Lake Bato, Camaligan Bicol River, and Balongay Bicol River are also threatening low-lying areas.