Pagasa raises flood, landslide warnings as Seniang crosses Central Visayas

• Seniang caused floods, destroying infrastructure in northeastern and northern Mindanao

As tropical storm Seniang traversed the Bohol Sea yesterday afternoon, the state weather bureau raised the flood alert level in  Bohol, Southern Leyte and Leyte to red, meaning flooding in low lying areas and landslides are expected.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of heavier rains throughout Monday evening as Seniang makes second landfall in Anda, Bohol.

Orange alert has been raised in Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Eastern Samar, Samar and Biliran Island, meaning rains are threatening low lying areas with flooding and landslides for mountainous areas.

The local government units of Argao and Sibonga conducted preemtive evacuation yesterday afternoon according to the Philippine Information Agency – Central Visayas. The PIA-7 also reported power outage in Oslob town late yesterday afternoon.

Southern Cebu has been placed under public storm signal no. 2, while the rest of Cebu, including Cebu City has been declared under signal no. 1.

The rainfall monitor of Project Noah in Argao town started to record heavy to torrential rains from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Seniang made its first landfall in Bakulin, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur early Monday morning and crossed the Caraga region and into the Bohol Sea.

As of 6 p.m. yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) tracked the eye of Seniang 50 kilometers east southeast of Anda, Bohol. It is moving at 11 kph.

Pagasa warned of moderate to heavy rains (7.5 – 15mm) per hour within the 300-kilometer diameter of Seniang as it maintained strength of maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 80 kph.

The tropical storm left a trail of destruction as heavy rains resulted in the overflowing major rivers, damaging major roads and bridges.

The Balatucan River in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental overflowed destroying a bridge, cutting land transportation between Cagayan de Oro City and Butuan City.

In Cagayan de Oro City, at 6:00 p.m. Monday, flood warning sirens and church bells were sounded signaling forced evacuation communities in low lying communities, especially those along the Cagayan de Oro River.