PAGASA warns of flooding in Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region as shear line hits Southern Luzon

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 25) — Heavy rains brought by a shear line in the eastern section of Southern Luzon may cause flooding in Cagayan Valley and Bicol Region on Thursday, the state weather bureau warned.

In its flood advisory on Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said areas forecast to be affected by watercourses in the Bicol Region (Region 5) are Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, and Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Cagayan is the sole area likely to be affected in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), it added.

PAGASA advised people living near the mountain slopes and in low lying areas and the local disaster councils in the said areas to take the necessary precautionary measures.

In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said landslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall in Davao and Caraga regions left 16 people dead, five injured, and over 800,000 individuals affected among eight provinces of the two regions.

Estimated cost of damage to agriculture was pegged at ₱78 million, the NDRRMC added.