THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) in Davao region issued a geohazard advisory after the state bureau declared the onset of the rainy season last week.
“The DENR-MGB 11 recommends that the Local Government Unit, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as well as the communities to be vigilant and regularly monitor the weather disturbance and its potential effect in their respective Areas of Responsibility,” the advisory read.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that the occurrence of scattered to at times widespread rainfall linked to Southwest Monsoon during the past few days as observed by most Pagasa stations in the western section of the country.
The onset of the rainy season will be experienced in areas under the Type 1 climate that refers to those with distinct dry and rainy seasons. These areas are located along the country's western seaboard.
“These rains will continue to affect the country, especially over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas. However, breaks in rainfall events (also known as monsoon break) that can last for several days or weeks may still occur,” the advisory stated.
It added that rainfall conditions for July are expected to be generally near above normal over most parts of Luzon and Visayas while generally below normal in most areas of Mindanao and the southern Visayas.
Meanwhile, a weak El Niño condition persisted in the tropical Pacific since the last quarter of 2018 and may likely continue in June, July, and August.
Based on the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Operation Center Weather Update as of 6:10 a.m. on June 17, the southwest monsoon was affecting the western section of Luzon.
Based on the forecast, Davao City will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds from southwest to south with slight to moderate seas.
The CDRRMO cautioned the public living along the landslide-prone areas for possible ground movement. On Monday, June 17, they monitored massive ground movement along Sitio Toril Road Catalunan Grande. All motorists passing this area are advised to be extra careful.