THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Northern Mindanao on October 12, has issued a threat advisory for the region on the possible occurrence of landslide and flood due to the onset of the La Niña.

According to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), weak to moderate La Niña is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2021.

La Niña is usually associated with above normal rainfall conditions across most areas of the country during the last quarter of the year and early months of the following year.

The MGB-Northern Mindanao has also advised the Provincial, City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Departments (DRRMD) to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures as the La Niña could have a possible impact on the local population, health, public and private infrastructure and to the economy.

Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees are also told to coordinate with DRRMDs to plan for any emergency, including disaster preparedness, mitigation and evacuation measures.

"Caution should be considered, that evacuation centers are located in safe areas and should not be located in landslide-/flood-/hazard-prone areas," MGB said.

The agency added that all the measures should be hand-in-hand with safety and health protocols considering the ongoing pandemic.

The public is also encouraged to keep attuned with the latest weather bulletin from Pagasa.