Amang weakens into LPA, heavy rains still expected over Rizal, Quezon

Tropical Depression Amang has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA), state weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday.

In an 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA noted that the LPA is still expected to bring light to moderate to at times heavy rains over the provinces of Rizal and Quezon in the next 24 hours.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides in areas prone to these hazards and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.

The LPA, as of 10 a.m., was located over the coastal waters of Polillo, Quezon, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

It added that its regional services divisions may issue local heavy rainfall warnings, rainfall/thunderstorm advisories and other severe weather information specific to their areas of responsibility as appropriate.

Effects of TD Amang

Amang, the first cyclone to hit the country this year, has caused floods in the Bicol Region, particularly in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Naga, and Albay, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In its 8 a.m. report on Thursday, the NDRRMC said 280 people or 81 families in Bicol were affected by Amang. It added that 275 people or 78 families were staying in five evacuation centers while five people or three families were taking shelter in other places.

Seven bridges and one road were not passable, the NDRRMC also said.

A total of 3,935 passengers, 635 rolling cargoes, 16  vessels, and nine motorbancas were stranded in Calabarzon, Bicol and Eastern Visayas as 12 seaports suspended operations. Two domestic flights were also canceled.

Amang has also caused class suspension on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News