Rains trigger landslides, flash floods in parts of PH as Mawar creeps closer

Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in some parts of the Philippines on Friday night, as super typhoon Mawar moved closer to the country.

In Catarman, Northern Samar, several houses were flooded after a sudden heavy downpour with thunder and lightning. The floods subsided when the rains stopped after an hour, said resident Arjun Aseo.

In Cotabato City, rains and fierce winds toppled several trees, which blocked the road in Barangays Rosary Heights VII and Rosary Heights XIII.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised storm signal number 3 over the following areas:

• Northern Samar

• Eastern Samar

• Samar

• Leyte

• Southern Leyte

• Biliran

• Cebu

• Bohol

• Negros Oriental

• Siquijor

• Panay

• Guimaras

• Iloilo

• Antique

PAGASA warned that heavy to intense rains, with isolated heavy to very heavy rains, will still be experienced over these areas within the next 24 hours.

Mawar is expected to make landfall over Eastern Samar or Samar province on Saturday morning. The typhoon is forecast to bring heavy to intense rains, with isolated heavy to very heavy rains, over the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Mawar is the first super typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. It is the strongest typhoon to hit the country since Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

The Philippine government has activated its disaster response plan and is urging residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a typhoon:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.

• If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as a helmet and raincoat.

• Avoid driving in flooded areas.

• If you are caught in a flood, climb to higher ground.

• Listen to the radio or television for updates on the typhoon.

The Philippine government has set up relief operations in affected areas. If you would like to help, you can donate to the following organizations:

• The Philippine Red Cross

• The Department of Social Welfare and Development

• The Catholic Relief Services

You can also donate blood at your local blood bank.