PAGASA releases flood advisory for Bicol river basin


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a flood advisory for Bicol river basin ahead of the anticipated landfall of tropical depression "Auring" (international name "Dujuan") over Eastern Samar on Monday, Feb. 22.

(PIXABAY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Twenty-nine millimeters (mm) of rainfall, which is considered intense, was already recorded by PAGASA's Bicol river basin rainfall gauging station in the past 12 hours.

PAGASA estimates that Auring may dump 40 to 50 mm of torrential rains over the river basin in the next 12 hours.

Residents in the low-lying municipalities of Libon, Polangui, Oas, Bato, Nabua, Baao, Bula, Buhi, Pili, Camaligan, Bombon, Magarao, Canaman, Gainza, Milaor, Minalabac, Pamplona, San Fernando, Calabanga, Cabusao, Libmanan, and Sipocot, and cities of Ligao, Iriga, and Naga were advised take the necessary precautions against flooding due possible swelling of river channels.

"People living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the abovementioned cities and municipalities and the local disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to be alert for possible flooding," PAGASA warned.

Moreover, it also warned of possible local flooding in urban and agricultural areas due to poor drainage system and impounding water during the passage of Auring.