PAGASA warns Northern Mindanao residents against possible flashfloods in the next 24 hrs.

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

Sunday 5th of February 2012

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The tail end of a cold front is expected to affect Mindanao and Visayas in the next 24 hours.

This weather condition may bring widespread rain over the Northern and Eastern sections of Mindanao and the Central Visayas, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

According to General Flood Advisory No. 1 for Northern Mindanao issued at 9 a.m. today, Feb. 5, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there will be moderate rains for the next 24 hours in the region.

Waterways likely to be affected are all rivers and streams in Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin Island and Bukidnon.

These river systems include Oroquieta River and other rivers and tributaries in Misamis Occidental; Agus River, Liangan River, Maranding River, Mandulog River, Dapao River and Mataling River in Lanao del Norte; Odiongan River, Tagoloan River, Cagayan de Oro River, Manduloy River, Cabulig River and the other nearby rivers in the province of Misamis Oriental.

Thus, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), region 10, has warned people living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the above mentioned river systems and the local DRRMC’s concerned are advised to be alert for possible flashfloods.

Regional Director Ana Caňeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, and Chairperson of RDRRMC-10, said the people and the local DRRMC’s are reminded to take appropriate proactive actions to aim for zero casualty, focused on evacuation, rather than rescue. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)