Valencia City on blue alert as rains raise flood, landslide risks

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) placed the locality under blue alert status on Tuesday as authorities monitor the effects of the rainy season and the movement of Super Typhoon “Bavi,” which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).June Ray Valero, CDRRMO chief, said all 31 barangays here have been directed to closely monitor their respective areas, particularly communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides, as Bukidnon continues to experience moderate to heavy afternoon and evening rains.

READ: Pagasa: Habagat to drench parts of PH from July 8 to 10Valero said the precautionary measure comes after a landslide struck Sitio Balakayo in Barangay Kalagangan, San Fernando, about 68 kilometers from Valencia City, following several days of continuous rainfall.The landslide temporarily rendered a section of the road impassable.While Super Typhoon Bavi is still outside the PAR, Valero said the city is maintaining heightened preparedness to ensure a prompt response should weather conditions worsen.

The typhoon will be named “Inday” once it enters the PAR.

In its 24-hour weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Bukidnon, including the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms may trigger flash floods or landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas.The CDRRMO urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and immediately report any signs of flooding, soil movement, or other hazards to local authorities./coa