THE Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division said that the New Year's Eve could be rainy due to Tropical Depression Usman.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger floods and landslides, may be experienced in Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands on Thursday, December 27.

“Residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels and in low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” the weather bureau said.

Usman will cross the northern parts of Leyte, Northern Cebu, Panay Island, Sulu Sea, northern Palawan and the West Philippine Sea, Pagasa added.

The tropical depression is projected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Monday afternoon, December 31.

Vladimir Sevillo of PDMPD said that although Usman will not make a landfall in northern Negros, heavy rains are expected.