Despite Domeng’s weakening, authorities remain alert for storm surge, floods

Although Tropical Cyclone Domeng (Peipah) had weakened into a tropical depression, authorities remain on alert for possible threats from flash floods and storm surge.

GMA News' resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz also cautioned residents against letting down their guard as Domeng's rain can still cause floods and landslides.

"Dapat 'I M Ready' pa rin ang ating mga kababayan at hindi lamang ang storm surge dahil (sa) panganib na dala-dala nitong bagyong si Domeng. Kahit ito ay tropical depression, ang mga pag-ulan na pwedeng magdulot ng flash floods, ng landslides, ay mga panganib na dapat ding paghandaan ng ating mga kababayan," Cruz told GMA News' Katrina Son on Unang Balita on Tuesday.
 

On Monday, the Department of Science and Technology's Project NOAH posted a list of localities where possible storm surge from Domeng may occur.

These include areas in Maguindanao, Negros Oriental and Cebu.

Cruz said a storm surge stems from powerful winds brought by a cyclone that can cause big waves that threaten coastal areas.

He said that with Domeng having weakened into a tropical depression, there is less chance of a storm surge that can threaten coastal areas.

Coast Guard in Mindanao on heightened alert

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the Coast Guard in Southeastern Mindanao (Davao) is on heightened alert, while its units in Northern Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro) are on alert for possible search and rescue operations.

In Eastern Visayas, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is monitoring cities and towns in coastal areas in Tacloban and the southern part of Leyte.

Tacloban's city disaster risk reduction and management council may hold a preemptive evacuation of those living along coastal areas, it added.

Meanwhile, provincial disaster management councils in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental are on blue alert and identified families at risk of flooding and landslides, for possible preemptive evacuation. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News