Manila: The trough of Tropical Storm Domeng is set to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, and Masbate, as reported by the weather bureau on Friday afternoon. These weather disturbances may lead to flash floods or landslides in these areas due to moderate to heavy rainfall.
According to Philippines News Agency, Domeng has maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness reaching up to 105 kph. As of 4 p.m., the storm was positioned 1,120 km east of Central Luzon, heading west-northwestward at a speed of 10 kph. It is anticipated to continue moving northwestward until Sunday, before changing course towards southern Japan. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that Domeng is unlikely to directly impact the country's weather in the next 24 hours. However, it is enhancing the southwesterly wind flow, which is expected to bring heavy rains to the western regions of the country starting Sunday.
As of Friday, PAGASA reported that the southwesterly wind flow is causing scattered rains and thunderstorms over areas including Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Lanao del Norte. These regions might also experience flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall. The rest of the country will see isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms, with moderate winds and seas in the eastern section of the Visayas, while other areas will experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas. PAGASA also mentioned that Domeng is unlikely to make landfall and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday.
In response to the approaching storm, the Department of Health (DOH) has elevated its alert status to 'code white' in preparation for potential impacts. The agency announced that all Center for Health Development (CHD) offices or DOH regional offices are on heightened alert to provide necessary medical assistance and supplies, including medicines, hygiene kits, and medical equipment, during emergencies. Health emergency teams are on standby for rapid deployment if required.
