NDRRMC warns of possible rains, floods due to two LPAs

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday warned of possible floods and landslides affecting northern Luzon due to two low-pressure areas in the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

In an advisory, the NDRRMC said the public should be prepared, especially communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas, even as the two LPAs being monitored are not likely to develop into tropical depressions.

"Communities located in flood- and landslide-prone areas, especially in the river basins, must remain vigilant and undertake all necessary precautions to ensure their safety," said NDRRMC executive director and undersecretary Ricardo B Jalad.

"We know we are in the holiday season but we must continue to be prepared for any emergency," he added.

In a separate statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the NDRRMC conducted a meeting earlier this day to discuss the two LPAs and the northeast monsoon bringing prolonged rainfall to the country.

He reminded the public to stay alert and prepared for possible landslides and flashfloods that the weather disturbance may bring.

"We must not forget or ignore all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone, including the observance of minimum public health standards, such as wearing of masks/ shields, washing of hands, and maintaining social distancing.  Gawin pa rin natin ang Mask, Hugas, Iwas," Roque said.

"The Executive continues to work even during this holiday season to ensure the health and safety of everyone. We ask the public to continue following their local officials, monitor the latest PAGASA advisory, and be prepared in case there is an evacuation," he added.

As of 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 27, one LPA was spotted 140 kilometers west-northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan while the other was seen 35 kilometers northeast of Adet, Camarines Norte.

Moderate to heavy rains will be experienced on Sunday over the Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Quezon, Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, and Mindoro provinces.

Meanwhile, light to moderate and at times heavy rains are expected over mainland Cagayan Valley, Metro Manila, the rest of Visayas, northern Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the rest of central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and CARAGA.

"Even though the weather systems are just LPAs, the public should not be complacent... LPAs bring heavy rains which cause floods and landslides," said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. — with Erwin Colcol/LBG/BM, GMA News