The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Sunday, August 9, of heavy to intense rainfall across Metro Manila, 21 Luzon provinces and Antique due to the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
In its 11 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA placed Benguet under a red rainfall warning, forecasting that “more than 200 millimeters of rain could fall within 24 hours.”
The highest alert level signals a high risk of widespread severe flooding and rain-induced landslides, prompting local authorities to advise residents in high-risk zones to take immediate precautions.
An orange rainfall warning, predicting 100 to 200 millimeters of rain, remains in effect over Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA said numerous flooding incidents were likely in orange-alert areas, while landslides could occur in communities with moderate to high susceptibility.
A yellow rainfall warning, covering an anticipated 50 to 100 millimeters of rain, was issued for Ilocos Norte, Abra, Pangasinan, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro and Antique.
The weather bureau said localized flooding could occur in low-lying and coastal communities in these regions, while landslides remained possible in highly susceptible areas.
PAGASA urged the public to track weather updates and follow local evacuation orders should conditions worsen.