‘Ulysses’ threatens flooding in tropical cyclone-battered Quezon

“Such flooding even may last for days,” she said. (File photo by Jonathan Ford/Unsplash)

MANILA – Quezon province’s flooding woes are far from over as Tropical Storm Ulysses (international name Vamco) may leave low-lying communities along and near various rivers and tributaries submerged for days.

Water in the province’s waterways may overflow and spill into communities due to “Ulysses” rains so flooding is possible, noted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Rosalie Pagulayan.

“Such flooding even may last for days,” she said.

In its 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin on Tuesday, PAGASA forecast light to moderate with at times heavy “Ulysses” rainfall over Quezon and Aurora provinces in Luzon; Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi provinces in Mindanao; as well as Bicol, Eastern and Central Visayas, Caraga, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions.

PAGASA expects “Ulysses” to make a landfall in Quezon on Thursday (Nov. 12).

Quezon waterways particularly at risk for overflowing during the 12-hour period ending 6 p.

m. Tuesday are Upper Umiray, Lower Bolbok (Lawaya), Malaking-Ilog, Iyam, Macalelon, Catanauan, Silongin Lagda, Pagsanjan, Yabahaan, Bigol, Guinhalinan, Vinas, Calauag, Pandanan, Sta. Lucia, Lugan Malaybalay, Maapon, Bucal (Lalangan), Lakayat, Tignoan, Agos, Anibawan (Polilio Island), and Upper Kilbay-Catabangan, noted PAGASA.

“There’s high chance for those waterways to overflow,” Pagulayan said. It is possible for such overflow and the resulting flooding to persist after “Ulysses” leaves Quezon since thunderstorms may also happen and bring rains, she continued.

Communities concerned must prepare accordingly as conditions may be already ripe for these areas’ submersion, noted Pagulayan.

She said successive onslaught of tropical cyclones like Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) this month drenched Quezon province, saturating soil and raising the waterways’ water level, so overflows and flooding are likely.

PAGASA expects “Ulysses” to be outside of Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday (Nov. 14).