Communities living near the Cagayan River and its tributaries were advised Saturday of possible slow water rise due to the anticipated light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains over the area.
In a flood bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that the "river trend of the Cagayan River is on slow rise but at a very slow rate at the upper and middle main Cagayan River, while lower Cagayan River is above alert level status."
"The whole stretch of the Cagayan River including major tributaries is likely to slowly rise in the next two to three hours."
PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or "amihan" will affect the Cagayan River basin in the next 24 hours.
It advised the public and local disaster risk reduction and management councils within the river basin to take appropriate actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of river flooding; flooding due to the accumulation and ponding of rainwater combined with the effects of poor drainage systems; and possible landslides and flash floods in areas near or on mountains.
PAGASA said areas near upper Cagayan River that are likely to be affected by possible flooding are San Agustin, Jones, Echague, Alicia, Angandanan, Cauayan, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mateo, Cabatuan, Aurora, and Luna in Isabela.
Residents of Gamu, Ilagan, San Mariano, Tumauini, Delfin Albano, Sto. Tomas, Cabagan, Sta. Maria, and San Pablo, also in Isabela, were also asked to take precautionary measures in case flooding occurs near middle Cagayan River.
Communities near the lower Cagayan River, Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Amulung, Alcala, Baggao, Lasam, Gattaran, Lallo, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Tuao, Piat, and Sto Niño in Cagayan were also advised to stay vigilant and take appropriate actions.