Marcos holding meetings on immediate response to widespread floods, says Palace


Malacañang said immediate assistance will be provided to those affected by the shear line rainfall and flooding in various areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides the 13th Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2023. (Photo from the Office of the Press Secretary)

In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 27, the Palace said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is monitoring the situation and holding meetings to field immediate response to affected areas.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is in Malacañang monitoring and holding meetings with several officials over various issues including giving immediate assistance to those affected by the shear line rainfall and flooding in the Visayas and Mindanao regions," Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Cheloy Garafil said.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), six people died while 19 others went missing due to shear line rainfall. Widespread flooding has been reported in Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Eastern Visayas and Caraga Region may continue to experience scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorm due to the prevalence of shear line.

Shear line, PAGASA said, is a boundary line where the cold and warm air masses meet.

The state weather bureau has also warned against possible flash floods or landslides during downpour in the affected areas.