Two tropical cyclones made landfall in the northern Philippines in early August, enhancing the southwest monsoon and bringing heavy rainfall that affected multiple regions across the country, according to government agencies. The weather systems led to flooding, evacuations, and the suspension of classes in several areas.
The first cyclone, designated Tropical Depression Luis, made landfall in Isabela province on Aug. 3, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported. The weather agency stated that Luis later weakened into a low-pressure area after crossing the landmass of Northern Luzon.
Three days later, on Aug. 6, a second system, Tropical Storm Maymay, made landfall in Ilocos Sur province. PAGASA tracked the storm as it moved across the region before it dissipated on Aug. 7.
According to bulletins from PAGASA, the primary effect of both cyclones was the enhancement of the southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat. This weather pattern is responsible for bringing seasonal rains to the western parts of the Philippines. The presence of the tropical cyclones intensified the monsoon, resulting in widespread and sustained precipitation over the weekend.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released situation reports detailing the effects of the weather. Heavy rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in several provinces within Luzon and the Visayas. Regions including the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila experienced significant rainfall.
In response to the conditions, local government units declared the suspension of classes and government work in affected cities and municipalities to ensure public safety. The NDRRMC reported that a number of families were preemptively evacuated from low-lying, flood-prone areas and communities near mountain slopes.
Response teams from national and local government agencies were activated to conduct monitoring and provide assistance. The Department of Social Welfare and Development prepared family food packs and other non-food relief items for distribution to displaced residents staying in evacuation centers.
Authorities issued public advisories throughout the period, cautioning residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant for potential flash floods and rain-induced landslides. Major thoroughfares in some urban areas, including parts of Metro Manila, were rendered impassable to light vehicles due to floodwaters. No official reports of major infrastructure damage directly attributable to the winds from either Luis or Maymay were immediately released, with officials noting the primary impact was from the volume of rain.
