Residents of Metro Manila and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for dangerous weather conditions on July 23 as torrential rainfall threatens widespread flooding and landslides. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued the alert early Tuesday, warning of intense rain triggered by the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and an active low-pressure area within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
According to Pagasa’s 5 a.m. outlook, more than 200 millimeters of rainfall could drench parts of Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. The state weather bureau emphasized that torrential rain in these areas will likely result in severe flooding and possible landslides.
Pagasa said the combination of weather systems will bring consistent heavy rain throughout the day, urging local government units and communities to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations.
Flood and landslide risks intensify in Luzon
Aside from the three western provinces bracing for torrential rain, a wider swath of Luzon is also expected to receive heavy to intense rainfall. The affected areas include Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Rizal.
Rainfall in these areas is estimated to range from 100 to 200 millimeters throughout the day. Pagasa warned that these conditions could lead to multiple flooding events, especially in urban areas and low-lying zones.
The weather agency stressed that landslides are likely in areas classified as moderately to highly susceptible, particularly in mountainous regions such as Benguet and Rizal. Authorities advised residents in these danger zones to monitor local advisories and prepare for potential emergency situations.
“Numerous flooding events are likely, especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying, or near rivers,” Pagasa said in its bulletin. “Landslide [is] likely in moderate to highly susceptible areas.”
Additional areas at risk as storm systems advance
Beyond the core flood zones, Pagasa also listed a range of other areas across Luzon and Visayas that will see moderate to heavy rain. Rainfall between 50 millimeters and 100 millimeters is forecast in La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, and Iloilo.
The weather bureau warned that localized flooding remains possible in all these locations, especially those situated near riverbanks, in urbanized sectors, or at the base of hills.
Even northern provinces such as Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and Kalinga are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall due to the influence of the developing low-pressure system.
Pagasa said areas in Northern Luzon should brace for worsening conditions if the low-pressure area strengthens into a tropical depression. These provinces could face rainfall totals similar to those seen in the metro area, leading to further risks of flash floods and landslides.
Tropical Depression Dante may become a tropical storm
Meanwhile, Pagasa is closely monitoring Tropical Depression Dante, which may intensify into a tropical storm within 12 hours. The weather disturbance was last tracked 880 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon. It is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 70 kilometers per hour.
Dante is moving northwestward at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. If it continues on its projected path and gains strength, more regions could fall under signal warnings, particularly in the northernmost islands.
As of early morning Tuesday, Dante had not yet directly affected the country’s landmass. However, its presence has helped boost the southwest monsoon, amplifying the rain already being dumped over the western parts of Luzon and some parts of the Visayas.
Emergency services and class suspensions activated
In anticipation of heavy flooding, class and work suspensions have already been declared across Metro Manila and 36 provinces. Local governments made early announcements to ensure safety and reduce public exposure to the storm’s effects.
Emergency personnel from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and regional disaster offices have been placed on red alert. Evacuation centers are being prepared, particularly in flood-prone areas of Calabarzon and Central Luzon.
Pagasa encouraged barangay officials to disseminate alerts in real time through social media and public address systems. They also advised local disaster units to monitor rainfall gauges and river levels closely throughout the day.
Public urged to stay home, monitor advisories
Government agencies are urging the public to stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, and refrain from crossing fast-flowing water. Travel disruptions are expected, with possible suspension of sea travel and grounding of flights depending on storm development.
Motorists are advised to take alternative routes as roads in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Pampanga could become impassable due to floodwaters. Commuters are encouraged to check traffic and weather updates before leaving home.
As the southwest monsoon continues to strengthen and Dante edges closer to the Philippines, experts warn that rainfall may intensify further in the next 24 hours.
And with ground already saturated in many areas, one more burst of rain could push the situation from dangerous to catastrophic.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.