Heavy rain to continue in parts of Luzon

MANILA, Philippines – The state weather bureau warned parts of Luzon of occasionally heavy rain on Monday, August 15, as the southwest monsoon continues to affect the island group.

“Moderate to occasionally heavy rain will be experienced over Ilocos region and the provinces of Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan,” said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 11 am update on Monday.

Residents in these areas “are advised to keep monitoring and be vigilant on the possible flash floods and landslides.”

“Meanwhile, light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms is expected over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, the rest of Central Luzon, the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region, and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon,” PAGASA added.

PAGASA advised the public, as well as government disaster councils, “to take the necessary precautionary measures.”

The state weather bureau will issue another update on the southwest monsoon at 5 pm on Monday. 

PAGASA on Saturday, August 13, said the monsoon rain could last for up to 5 days.

This prompted the entire Metro Manila, as well as several cities and provinces outside the capital region, to suspend classes on Monday. – Paterno Esmaquel II/Rappler.com