3 die, 2 missing as rains hit PH regions

At least three people died and two others were reported missing due to heavy rains caused by a shear line and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) that affected parts of the Philippines late last month.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed that the weather systems impacted regions including Davao, Caraga, Mimaropa, and Cagayan on December 26, resulting in floods and landslides.

Over 16,000 families were affected by the rains, with at least 1,074 houses damaged according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the need for increased preparedness levels when dealing with shear lines compared to incoming typhoons due to confusion among communities.

The OCD is implementing preemptive and forced evacuations in local government units, while discussions are ongoing with Pagasa to help the public better prepare for such weather conditions.

On Thursday, the ITCZ will continue affecting Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan, while the shear line will impact eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon, potentially causing around 2 to 4 inches of rain in several provinces.