(DOST-PAGASA Satellite Image)
MANILA – A low pressure area (LPA) in the waters off Eastern Samar is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone Sunday to be named Enteng, according to the weather bureau.
In its 24-hour public weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA was last seen 175 km East Northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 205 km East of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
It will bring scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms over the eastern section of the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, particularly in the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran.
Scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Quezon, and the rest of Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Bicol Region, also due to the LPA.
According to PAGASA, the LPA has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours.
Once it becomes a tropical cyclone, it will be given the local name Enteng.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon or "habagat" is affecting the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over Mimaropa and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.
The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, is unaffected by the LPA or "habagat" but may experience isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA warned of flash floods or landslides during moderate to heavy rain or severe thunderstorms in the abovementioned areas.
Meanwhile, the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) placed the region under blue alert after a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting.
Under blue alert, all local DRRM councils are mandated to monitor 24/7 and be ready to respond to emergency situations.
“It will affect the western part which includes Benguet, Baguio, Abra, portions of Mountain Province, while Enteng will affect the eastern part which included Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, and portions of Mountain Province," the CRDRRMC said.
The CDRRMC also shared that according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, there are 349 villages in the region which are susceptible to landslide and flooding.
Lead agencies of response clusters, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, said there are sufficient food and non-food items, manpower, and equipment. (With a report from Liza Agoot/PNA)
