‘Mindulle’ trough threatens flooding in Luzon, Visayas
By Catherine Teves
MANILA – The trough of Typhoon Mindulle is elevating the risk for flooding and rain-induced landslides in the eastern seaboards of the Visayas, southern Luzon, and Region III (Central Luzon).
Heavy rainfall is possible at times in the eastern part of the country this week due to the trough, noted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Sheilla Reyes on Monday (Sept. 27).
“Such rainfall can trigger flooding and landslides there,” she said.
Communities in areas susceptible to such hazards must prepare accordingly, she noted.
Among the susceptible areas are low-lying and poorly drained locations where water may accumulate, stretches along and near waterways that can overflow, as well as mountain slopes that may erode.
PAGASA located “Mindulle” at 1,590 km east of extreme northern Luzon as of 10 a.m. Monday, still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The strong typhoon was slowly moving northwards, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 215 kph.
According to PAGASA, “Mindulle” may enter PAR on Tuesday (Sept. 28) and assume the local name “Lannie”, but will likely exit the following day.
It is unlikely for “Mindulle” to either draw close to the Philippine landmass or even landfall as PAGASA expects this typhoon to eventually turn northeastwards while moving away from the country.
Reyes said the trough of “Mindulle” may cause moderate to rough seas over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon beginning Monday night or Tuesday primarily due to swells.
Sea travel will be risky for those using small seacrafts. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions. (PNA)
