YELLOW, ORANGE, RED: Understanding Pagasa’s rainfall alert system

Local

WHEN the rain doesn’t stop, neither should your caution.

As the rainy season takes hold, the state weather bureau has reminded the public to stay alert and informed as heavy downpours continue to trigger flooding and landslides across Cebu and Central Visayas.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) continues to issue rainfall advisories under the country’s color-coded rainfall warning system—yellow, orange, and red—designed to warn the public of worsening weather and guide local disaster response.

Recent habagat-driven rains, intensified by a low-pressure area, left streets flooded, commuters stranded, and at least one person dead in Cebu over the weekend.

Authorities have since urged communities in flood-prone and mountainous areas to heed alerts and stay ready to evacuate if needed.

From June 1 to 8 alone, Pagasa-Mactan reported that Cebu recorded 125.5 millimeters of rainfall, already nearly 70 percent of the province’s monthly average of 180.7 mm.

On Friday, June 6, a single day brought 65.7 mm of rain, soaking already saturated soil and worsening the risk of landslides and water overflow.

Understanding the Rainfall Warnings

Pagasa’s rainfall alert system is color-coded to represent the intensity of rain and the corresponding risk levels, aimed at helping local authorities and residents act accordingly.

Yellow Rainfall Warning

A Yellow Rainfall Warning indicates that rainfall is expected to reach between 7.5 and 15 millimeters per hour, which may cause possible flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

During this warning, individuals are advised to stay alert, closely monitor weather updates from official sources, and prepare for minor flooding that could affect vulnerable locations.

Local government units (LGUs) typically coordinate decisions regarding class suspensions under a Yellow Rainfall Warning, with schools often shifting to alternative or modular learning methods as needed to ensure safety while maintaining learning continuity.

Orange Rainfall Warning

An Orange Rainfall Warning means that rainfall is expected to reach between 15 and 30 millimeters per hour, posing a significant threat of flooding and increasing the likelihood of landslides, especially in vulnerable areas.

When this warning is issued, people should prepare for possible evacuation by securing important valuables and belongings.

It is crucial to closely follow official advisories and instructions from local authorities to ensure safety and a timely response to worsening conditions.

Red Rainfall Warning

A Red Rainfall Warning signifies that rainfall is expected to exceed 30 millimeters per hour, resulting in serious and widespread flooding as well as life-threatening landslides. Under this warning, immediate evacuation is strongly advised for those in affected or high-risk areas.

Travel should be avoided to reduce the risk of accidents, and personal safety must be prioritized at all times.

Following the directives of local disaster response teams and authorities is essential to protect lives during such extreme weather events.

Pagasa advises the public to never underestimate yellow alerts, as rainfall could intensify quickly and catch unprepared communities off guard.

General Reminders and Safety Tips

- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters to prevent drowning or electrocution.

- Prepare emergency kits with food, clean water, medicines, flashlights, and batteries.

- Monitor official weather bulletins from Pagasa and local disaster response offices.

- Stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes, and power lines during heavy rainfall.

- Help the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities evacuate when needed.

Authorities also warned small vessel operators, such as motorbanca owners, not to sail during rough sea conditions brought by habagat-induced strong winds.

While the low-pressure area off Luzon is unlikely to become a tropical cyclone, Pagasa said it will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing more rain across the Visayas.(TGP)