By AJ Alarcon

Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) brings heavy rains and flooding to Luzon on Monday, July 21, prompting class suspensions and emergency evacuations in several areas. 

In its weather forecast issued at 4:00 PM, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported two Low Pressure Areas (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) currently influencing weather conditions. 

One of the LPAs was located 1,220 km east of Southeastern Luzon, while another was spotted 405 km east of Calayan, Cagayan.

Both systems, along with the Habagat, are enhancing rainfall activity across the country.

According to PAGASA, this weather disturbance has a “medium potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.” 

Moreover, PAGASA’s weekly weather outlook warned of occasional rains in the western sections of Luzon and Visayas until July 24. 

The rest of Luzon and Visayas are expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms, while Mindanao is forecasted to have fair weather with isolated rains or thunderstorms. 

Occasional rains are also expected in the western part of Luzon due to the combined effects of the LPAs and Habagat.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may also affect Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, and the rest of Luzon, with the rest of the country experiencing fair weather with isolated rains or thunderstorms. 

Class suspensions and emergency evacuations

In light of these weather conditions, the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that classes in all levels of both public and private schools are suspended on Tuesday, July 22, in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, PAGASA warned the residents living near the overflowing La Mesa Dam to be “alert of possible floodings.”

Furthermore, a second alarm was issued in Marikina City as the Marikina River water level rose above 16 meters; multiple evacuation centers opened.

In addition, the Quezon City local government has opened 78 evacuation sites in the city as of 7:00 PM, housing 3,745 families or 12,526 individuals.

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) also opened its Loyola Heights campus for faculty members, staff, students, and their families who need to evacuate due to flooding.

PAGASA will release the next Weather Advisory at 11:00 PM unless significant changes occur.