'Francisco,’ habagat keep flood threat over parts of Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY — Several river systems in Western Visayas remain under close monitoring for possible flooding and landslides as Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) continues to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In General Flood Advisory No. 7 for Region 6, issued at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, Pagasa warned that light to moderate, and at times heavy, rains accompanied by thunderstorms may continue over parts of Western Visayas within the next 12 hours.

READ: Typhoon Francisco weakens further but rains expected across Luzon

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The advisory was issued even as the center of Typhoon Francisco was already located about 310 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes as of 3 p.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching 170 kph. The cyclone was moving northward at 15 kph.

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Pagasa said several rivers and tributaries across four provinces in Western Visayas remain susceptible to rising water levels.

In Antique, rivers and tributaries particularly those in Sibalom, Ipayo, Cagaranan, Palauwe, Cairauran, Dalanas and Tibiao were identified as areas likely to be affected.

In Aklan, the weather bureau flagged rivers and tributaries in Ibajay, Aklan River, and Jalo River systems.

Capiz was also listed, particularly river systems in Panay, Mambusao, Panay Malinao, Alingon and Balantian.

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READ: Rains dumped by typhoon not enough to raise Magat level

In Iloilo, Pagasa advised residents living near rivers and low-lying communities to remain vigilant, especially along river systems associated with Pinantan, Barotac, Akalayan, Jalau, Alano, Jagdong, Jalaur, Lamunan, Jaro-Aganan, Sibalom and Guimbal.

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Guimaras was likewise included in the advisory, with all rivers and tributaries being monitored for possible flooding.

Pagasa urged residents living near mountain slopes and low-lying areas close to these river systems to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

Local disaster risk reduction and management councils were also advised to maintain heightened monitoring and preparedness measures while the southwest monsoon continues to affect parts of Luzon and the Visayas.

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Authorities reminded the public to closely monitor official weather bulletins and heed evacuation orders should flooding or landslides threaten their communities. /dp