Pagasa says more rain, floods expected in Cebu this week

EXPECT more rain and flood in Cebu in the coming days.

The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to prevail in the Visayas and will bring light to moderate rains to Cebu in at least the next three days, especially in the afternoon to the evening, said Alfredo Quiblat, chief for Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Mactan.

“These rains will bring flood in the affected areas,” Quiblat told Cebu Daily News by phone yesterday.

Pagasa issued thunderstorm warning advisory at 12:26 p.m. yesterday for the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Cebu, and the towns of Cordova, Consolacion and Liloan.

Rain showers started at 12:30 p.m. yesterday and turned into a heavy downpour by 12:50 p.m. until 1:37 p.m., during which time Pagasa Mactan recorded 20.2 millimeters of rain.

Last Friday, Pagasa Mactan was able to record 65.8 mm of rain from 3:35 p.m. until 12 midnight, way above the average level of 20 mm.

Quiblat said that when the amount of rainfall would go beyond 20 mm in the span of an hour or two, flood should be expected especially in downtown Cebu City. One millimeter is equivalent to 5,000 drums of water.

Quiblat also explained that the ITCZ always brings rains since it is the breeding ground of weak low pressure areas (LPAs).

An LPA has been monitored by the weather bureau outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and might enter PAR on Tuesday.

“Everyone should always take precautionary measures especially when we issue thunderstorm warnings,” he added.

Aside from heavy rains, thunderstorm activities also composed of lightning, thunder, waterspouts or whirlwinds.

“These activities, especially waterspouts and whirlwinds, are normal especially when thunderstorm activities (occur),” Quiblat added.

Quiblat also reminded the public to be careful during thunder and lightning episodes.

If thunder or lightning is experienced, Quilbat advised those who are outside to stay near buildings or houses. Everything that is “pointed” is risky to lightning. It is also not advisable to stay under trees.

The public is also advised to avoid bodies of water, like rivers, pools and the sea as these are considered to be “conductors” of electricity.

Those staying indoors are also advised not to touch metals and gadgets.