NAGA CITY — Residents in flood-prone communities are being urged to take extra precautions after the Bicol River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (BRBFFWC) issued Flood Advisory No. 3 on Monday afternoon, November 25, as water levels in major rivers continue to rise.
BRBFFWC hydrologist Nivagine Zamudio said that water levels across the Bicol River system have been steadily increasing due to the intense rainfall brought by Tropical Depression Verbena.
“As of today, [Nov.25] the water levels in the Bicol Rivers are generally increasing due to light to moderate, and at times heavy, rainfall, but they are still less likely to overflow,” Zamudio stated.
Zamudio added that based on their monitoring, communities in low-lying areas might still experience water swells in other tributaries or waterways.
As of press time, localized flooding is currently occurring in most areas in the province.
“A flood advisory has been issued by the BRBFFWC to warn the community about localized flooding, such as drainage overflow, spillway overflow, or water accumulation in areas without drainage. Communities are advised to take precautionary measures and listen to the instructions of their respective DRRM officers,” Zamudio added.
Based on data from the Camaligan Station in Camarines Sur, the influence of high tide is expected during the following hours:
6:00:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Water levels remain critically high in the Camaligan River as well as in Bato and Buhi lakes. Meanwhile, conditions in the Sipocot River have begun to improve, with water levels gradually receding.
The Bicol River, a major waterway running through Camarines Sur, supports much of the province’s drainage basin and plays a vital role in the region’s water system.
Source: PIA Bicol