Weather: Monsoon-triggered floods, landslides threaten 12 provinces

Flash floods and landslides that may be triggered by the southwest monsoon threaten at least 12 provinces in northern and Central Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sunday. In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon is expected to bring occasional rains over northern and Central Luzon and may become widespread rain over the western section. “Residents along the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur, Abra and Ilocos Norte are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides," it said. PAGASA also warned fishermen along the coastal areas of Luzon not to venture out into the sea due to big waves generated by monsoon surge associated with tropical storm “Falcon" (Meari). While “Falcon" left Philippine territory Saturday, PAGASA had said that the country may still experience rain from the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by “Falcon." The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had said “Falcon" left at least one person dead and 17 missing, and P54.086 million in damage to property. - KBK, GMA News