Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rain to Luzon, Western Visayas

The southwest monsoon continues to bring heavy rainfall to large parts of Luzon and Western Visayas, prompting warnings of possible floods and landslides as saturated soil increases the risk of damage. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a briefing on Monday, August 10, that while the intensity of the rain is expected to ease in the coming days, the threat remains significant due to accumulated rainfall.

PAGASA reported that the southwest monsoon is still affecting nearly the entire island of Luzon and the Western Visayas region. For the 24-hour period from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, August 11, heavy to intense rain of 100 to 200 millimeters is forecast for Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Moderate to heavy rain of 50 to 100 millimeters is expected in Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Batangas. The rain is predicted to become more moderate from Tuesday afternoon onward, though several provinces will continue to experience significant downpours.

The persistent rainfall has already caused impacts. On Monday, the La Mesa Dam in...