Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event 02-02-2024
What happened, where and when?
On 16 January 2024, the Shear Line impacted the eastern section of Mindanao, bringing scattered light to heavy rain showers and thunderstorms. By 17 January 2024, its influence had begun to weaken. However, it continued to cause scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Northern Mindanao, CARAGA, and the Davao Region for the next 24 hours. Notably, by this time, the Shear Line no longer had a direct effect on the entire country. By 20 January 2024, its impact had further diminished, and it no longer exerted any direct influence over the country. Starting on 28 January 2024, the Northeast Monsoon and the Trough of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) began affecting Mindanao. The Trough of the LPA brought intermittent light to heavy rains, which persisted until 2 February 2024, leading to widespread flooding, landslides, and other related incidents across Mindanao. The system continued to bring light to heavy rainfall until 2 February 2024, contributing to flooding and landslide incidents in certain areas of Mindanao. Finally, on 3 February 2024, the LPA dissipated, marking the end of its impact on the region. As a result of the combined eects of the Shear Line and the Trough of the LPA, a state of calamity was declared in one province (Agusan del Sur) and four municipalities (Davao del Norte: 2 and Davao de Oro: 2). This declaration allowed these areas to access emergency funds and resources to respond to the damages and disruptions caused by these weather disturbances. A shear line refers to a zone of maximum horizontal wind shear that forms ahead of a cold front in the northern hemisphere when easterly trade winds interact with winds that have an augmented northerly component. The presence of a cold front and its associated upper trough is essential for the formation of a shear line. The combined effects of three weather systems—the Shear Line, the Northeast Monsoon, and the Trough of the LPA—caused widespread flooding and landslides, severely limiting residents' ability to cope with the disaster.
Typically, floods in these areas subside within three days. However, after a week, floodwaters remained, raising serious concerns as rescue operations were still ongoing. Additionally, access to clean and safe drinking water was severely aected. Many residents were forced to evacuate, and roads and bridges remained impassable, hindering access to essential supplies. Given the situation, the major concern was the support needed for the long term.