LPA that may develop into storm threatens New Year celebrations
The National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday called on the residents in the areas damaged by tropical storms Urduja and Vinta to keep safe this New Year as a new low pressure area (LPA) may bring heavy rain in the next few days.
NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said residents in areas in Visayas and Mindanao to prioritize their safety as the LPA, which may develop into a tropical depression on the next 48 hours, may bring moderate to heavy rains in their localities.
READ: Umbrellas to meet the New Year as Pagasa sees rain
“Kaya muli, pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan ‘wag po nating ipasawalang bahala itong pag-uulan itong dala ng low pressure area, maaring maging ganap na bagyo ito. Maaaring magdala ng maraming tubig na maaaring maging peligroso sa inyong komunidad,” Marasigan said in a press briefing broadcast online.
(So again, we remind our people not to disregard the rains brought by this low pressure area as it could develop into a storm. It could bring lots of rain and may be dangerous to your community.)
“Maaari po tayong mag-celebrate kasama ang ating mga pamilya ngayon para sa darating na bagong taon pero siguraduhin po na iprioritize ang inyong mga kaligtasan,” she added.
(We can celebrate the New Year with our family but please make sure to prioritize your safety.)
In its 11 a.m. weather advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was last spotted 910 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
“It may cross Mindanao from Monday to Tuesday and bring moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flashflood and landslides,” Pagasa said in the advisory.
If the LPA develops into a tropical depression, maritime operations along the eastern seaboard of Mindanao—including the provinces of Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao island—and eastern seaboard of Leyte will be distrupted, the bureau said.
Marasigan advised the residents in the area to listen to the local government’s announcement to evacuate, in case situation worsens. /jpv
