The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised those in northern Luzon to stay vigilant against possible landslides triggered by the rains of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” in the next few days.

As early as Saturday, July 30, the habagat, which is being enhanced by tropical depression Ester, is expected to bring “scattered light to moderate to at times heavy” rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Zambales, Bataan, Antique, and Aklan.

“Under these conditions, scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in the areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in the hazards maps and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said.

PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez said that as tropical depression Ester moves northward, it will also gradually pull the southwest monsoon that will cause rains in northern Luzon in the next two to three days.

As of 10 a.m., Ester was at 550 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes.

It has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, while moving westward at 20 kph.

Perez said rains are currently concentrated in the western sections of Western Visayas, Central and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, but starting July 31 until August 1, the concentration of rains will be in Central and Northern Luzon areas.

Science and Technology OIC Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. warned those in quake-hit areas of northern Luzon to be vigilant against possible landslides.

According to Solidum, the soil has loosened in many parts of northern Luzon after the earthquake on July 27, making these areas prone to landslides, especially during heavy rains.