Bicol rain forecast eases but landslide threats remain
By Catherine J. Teves
MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Landslide threats continue in Bicol Region even if dissipation of the low pressure area (LPA) east-northeast of Eastern Samar province's Borongan City already eased prospects for moderate to occasionally heavy rains.
The LPA dissipated around 8 a.m. Monday but Bicol can still experience light rains due to the northeast monsoon or "amihan", said weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio from State-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
"Such rains can result in landslides there," he said.
Aurelio noted Bicol's soil may be already soaked in several days' rain, making conditions there favorable for landslides.
Onslaught of light "amihan", rains can be the trigger for such landslides, he continued.
According to PAGASA, the annual "amihan" starts over Siberia as cold, dry air mass which gathers moisture while traveling across Pacific Ocean towards the Philippines.
PAGASA said "amihan" affects the Philippines' eastern portions from October to late March.
"Amihan" is characterized by “widespread†cloudiness with rains or showers.
In its weather advisory 5 released Monday, PAGASA said landslides and flash floods are possible in Palawan province, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
It warned about such possibilities, forecasting for those areas moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
The tail-end of a cold front can bring such rains and cloudiness there. (PNA)
LGI/CJT/EDS
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