LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – A shear line is seen to prevail, bringing heavy to intense rainfall to much of Bicol region for Thursday, Jan. 9, with more than 100 millimeters (mm) of rain is expected to fall on several provinces.
A shear line advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued on Wednesday cautioned residents in the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte to brace for rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 mm from Wednesday morning to Thursday noon.
The shear line’s impact is expected to subside by Thursday afternoon, but it will still bring over 50 mm of rain to Albay until Saturday afternoon, January 11.
A shear line is the intersection of the cold northeast monsoon (Amihan) and warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.
In Albay, the intense rainfall last Wednesday caused landslides and significant flooding in some areas, leading the provincial government to order an early dismissal of work.
Government offices began suspending work at 12 noon Wednesday, with the exception of agencies focused on public safety, disaster risk reduction, health, and related services.
In her advisory, acting Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao encouraged private businesses and offices to consider early dismissal due to risks in high-risk areas.
Local government units were advised to evacuate residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and lahar flow.
Additionally, fishermen using small sea crafts were prohibited from going out to sea, and residents were urged to avoid crossing swollen rivers. (PIA5/Albay)
