Tropical depression Auring (international name Dujuan) may further weaken into a low-pressure area (LPA) but can still trigger flooding and landslides over Region IV-B (Mimaropa) before dissipating later this week.
“Auring” will likely reach Mimaropa on Tuesday (Feb. 23) as an LPA already, noted weather forecaster Ana Clauren of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“Light to moderate to at times heavy rainfall is possible there then due to that LPA,” she said.
She said the LPA may already dissipate anytime between Wednesday (Feb 24) and Thursday (Feb. 25) while hovering over Mimaropa.
Mimaropa has been experiencing rain last week due to the northeast monsoon or “amihan”.
That indicates Mimaropa may be saturated already, making this area more prone to flooding and landslides, noted PAGASA hydrologist Max Peralta.
“Expected rain from the LPA will further raise the risk for flooding and landslides there,” he said.
He also said rising water in Mimaropa’s waterways, due to previous rainfall, may already overflow and flood nearby areas if the LPA dumps its expected rain in the region.
“Communities in Mimaropa must remain alert and prepared even if ‘Auring’ weakens into an LPA,” he said.
An LPA can still bring destructive rainfall even if this weather system’s winds are not as strong as those of a tropical depression, he noted. (Catherine Teves/PNA)
