PAGASA reminds Region 8 authorities, public of La Niña

PALO, Leyte, May 18 (PNA) –- After months of prolonged dry season, the state weather bureau here has called on local government units and the general public to brace for La Niña, a weather condition that will dump more rains in the region in the second half of this year.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said El Niño or prolonged dry season will end this month and the region will start experiencing normal rainfall in June.

“July to December will be wet in the region. Aside from La Niña, there are other weather systems that could bring more rains in Eastern Visayas such as northeast monsoons and cold front,” said Pagasa Tacloban station chief Mario Peñaranda.

The weather bureau recently issued a La Niña watch to warn the public of expected intense rainfall in the last two quarters of 2016.

“Be alert of flooding and landslide especially in vulnerable areas. The community should help clean up drainage system and waterways to ensure continuous flow of rain water,” Peñaranda.

Many areas in Eastern Visayas are prone to flooding due to presence of many rivers and forest degradation. Some parts of Leyte Island are highly vulnerable to landslides due to unstable mountain slope.

On Feb. 17, 2006, a series of landslides killed more than 1,100 residents of Guinsaugon village in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte. (PNA)

JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO