PAGASA Warns of Potential Tropical Depression "Verbena" Approaching Southern Mindanao

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday that a low pressure area (LPA) located east of Southern Mindanao carries a moderate probability of evolving into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. Once intensified, the system is expected to be named "Verbena."

According to PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina, the disturbance was last tracked approximately 1,130 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao as of 3 a.m. Sunday. Although the system currently remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it is anticipated to enter the monitoring zone later in the day. Badrina highlighted that the storm could potentially impact a large portion of Visayas and Southern Luzon.

Even prior to its possible upgrade, the trough associated with the LPA is already causing cloudy conditions accompanied by scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in several regions, including Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, Eastern Visayas, and Bohol. Authorities have issued advisories regarding the risk of flash floods and landslides in these areas due to moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

PAGASA's heavy rainfall forecast warns of 50 to 100 millimeters of rain expected on Monday across multiple provinces such as Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.

For Tuesday, November 25, predicted precipitation increases, with Northern Samar and Eastern Samar projected to receive between 100 and 200 millimeters. Additional regions in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Northern Mindanao are also likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential weather disruptions as Verbena approaches.