NDRRMC: Prepare for heavy to intense rains due to Auring

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has urged the public to prepare for heavy to intense rains as Tropical Depression Auring entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.

According to the NDRRMC, Auring may cause flooding and rain-induced landslides in highly susceptible areas.

PAGASA said the center of Auring was located 700 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Caraga and Davao Oriental will experience moderate to heavy rains, while Eastern and Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the rest of Davao region will experience light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains on Saturday.

Moderate to heavy with, at times, intense rains will prevail over Surigao provinces, Dinagat islands, Eastern Visayas, Masbate, and the northern portion of Cebu on Saturday evening through Sunday.

Moderate to heavy rains will be felt in Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, and Marinduque, while light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains will prevail over over CALABARZON, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, and the rest of Bicol region, Visayas, and Caraga.

PAGASA said Auring may intensify into a tropical storm before its landfall on Saturday evening or Sunday morning over Caraga region.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over several provinces of Caraga and Davao region on Friday, the weather bureau added.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau identified 4,654 barangays susceptible to landslide and flood in Bicol, Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga.

NDRRMC said the MGB had been cascading the list of landslide prone areas to concerned local government units. Advisories from the Department of the Interior and Local Government were also released to the LGUs.

Meanwhile, in its 24-hour forecast, PAGASA said the tail-end of a frontal system will also bring moderate to heavy rains over Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay, Catanduanes and light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains over Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and the rest of Bicol Region.

PAGASA said isolated flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur due to heavy prolonged periods of rainfall, especially in highly susceptible areas.

“NDRRMC continues to assess the possible impacts of TD Auring based on PAGASA advisories,” NDRRMC said.

“The public is advised to monitor weather updates and heed authorities’ warnings. Local Government Units are reminded to strictly implement minimum public health standards in their operations,” it added. -NB, GMA News