The state weather bureau today warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes in Luzon against landslides and flashfloods as the low pressure area over the South China Sea will continue to bring rains over the region this weekend. Robert Sawi, senior weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said the rains experienced in the country in the past few days signal the approaching rainy season. “These (rains) are the expected signs of the coming rainy season,” Sawi said in a phone interview. “The LPA is likely to cross Taiwan this weekend then after crossing Taiwan, another LPA may develop east of country which may trigger the onset of the rainy season,” Sawi said. As of 11 a.m. today, the LPA was spotted at 430 kilometers west-northwest of Basco, Batanes. “This weather disturbance will continue moving towards Taiwan this weekend and expected to bring rainshowers and thunderstorms over Northern and Central Luzon, becoming widespread rains over the western sections,” Pagasa said in an advisory. “Residents living in low lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides,” the weather bureau said. Sawi said Metro Manila residents can look forward to rainshowers in the morning and evening. Pagasa expects the wet season to start during the first half of June.
