Habagat Rains to Drench Parts of Luzon, Visayas on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains are expected to continue over several parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Saturday due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, the state weather bureau said. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its latest forecast, monsoon rains—or continuous heavy rain brought by the habagat—will prevail over Occidental Mindoro. Expect 100 to 200 millimeters (mm) of rain in the province, with widespread flooding likely in urbanized, low-lying, or river-adjacent areas, and landslides possible in moderately to highly susceptible areas. Occasional rains are also forecast in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Oriental Mindoro. Expect 50 to 100 mm of rain over these areas, with localized flooding possible especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying and near rivers, while landslide is possible in highly susceptible areas. Cloudy skies with chances of rain are then forecast over Abra, Benguet, and the remaining parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol Region. Meanwhile, occasional rains are likewise forecast in Antique, while cloudy skies and scattered rain showers are also expected to affect Western Visayas and Northern Samar. Expect 50 to 100 mm of rain over these areas, with localized flooding possible especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying and near rivers, while landslide is possible in highly susceptible areas. A tropical depression located 1,685 kilometers (km) east northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon is also being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph. Pagasa noted that its chances of entering PAR are becoming less and less as it continues to move northward at 35 kph. However, Pilandok, who has already left both PAR and the country’s monitoring domain, may once again enter PAR on Sunday. For the Philippines, a nation heavily reliant on agriculture and with significant populations in vulnerable areas, the habagat poses recurring challenges. The heavy rainfall can damage crops, disrupt supply chains, and impact the livelihoods of farmers. Furthermore, frequent flooding strains the country's infrastructure, leading to economic losses and requiring significant government resources for disaster response and recovery. The impact on daily life, particularly for those in low-lying communities, includes displacement and increased health risks.