Oriental Mindoro province issued a blue alert on Saturday as a low-pressure area (LPA) and shearline brought flooding to multiple municipalities, affecting 62 individuals and 15 families.

Disaster and risk reduction authorities reported flooding in six areas across two municipalities.

In Baco town, the barangays of Alag, Burbuli, Mangangan I, and Poblacion were submerged in floodwaters.

The municipality of Victoria also experienced flooding in the Malabo area.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that cloudy skies with light to moderate rains continue to prevail across the island.

Two barangay roads have been rendered impassable to light vehicles: Sitio Catan-agan in Alag, Baco and Sitio Parang in Poblacion, Baco.

In an unrelated incident, authorities also documented two vehicular crashes in Pinamalayan town, though no immediate details were provided about casualties or damage.

The situation report, released at 11:00AM on Dec. 21, 2024, comes as the province prepares for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

LGU officials are closely monitoring weather conditions, with the PDRRMO maintaining emergency response operations through their hotline numbers.

The blue alert status indicates that local authorities have activated their emergency operations center to monitor and respond to potential weather-related incidents.

Blue alert represents the second level in the country’s four-tiered emergency response system, requiring disaster management offices to maintain round-the-clock operations.

Under blue alert protocols, at least half of all emergency response personnel must remain on active duty at operations centers. The designation mandates continuous monitoring and requires regular situation reports, as evidenced by Oriental Mindoro’s 11AM bulletin today.

The alert level is typically triggered by moderate weather disturbances; potential emergency situations; major public events requiring heightened vigilance; and early signs of deteriorating conditions.

In Oriental Mindoro’s case, the combination of a low-pressure area, a weather shearline, and upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations prompted authorities to raise the alert level.

The province has already reported flooding in six areas across two municipalities, affecting 62 individuals.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions, particularly in flood-prone areas.

PDRRMO continues to monitor the situation as the holiday season approaches.

Photo credit: BM Bong Brucal