MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has warned that 9,085 barangays across the country are prone to possible flooding and rain-induced landslides as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” continues to bring rains.
On Friday, the DENR-MGB said the advisory, valid until 8 p.m. Sunday, is based on the latest 72-hour rainfall forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the DENR-MGB’s geohazard susceptibility maps.
“The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has released an updated list of barangays that may be susceptible to landslides and flooding based on the latest PAGASA rainfall forecast. Check if your barangay is on the list and take appropriate precautions, especially if you live near or downstream of areas identified as susceptible,” the DENR social media post reads.
It said the full list of barangays susceptible to landslides and floods may be accessed through https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONc1EkobI05nuX_TyCbKDO1DTS0TQZnX/view
The bureau reminds residents in the listed barangays, as well as those in nearby and downstream areas, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Based on the list, the highest number of potentially affected barangays is in Region 1 (Ilocos Region) with 3,118, followed by Region 3 (Central Luzon) with 1,925, Calabarzon with 1,652, and the National Capital Region with 1,403.
Other areas on the list are the Cordillera Administrative Region with 727 barangays, Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) with 41, Mimaropa with 129, and Region 6 (Western Visayas) with 90.
The DENR-MGB said its assessment uses rainfall thresholds forecast models, noting that the thresholds may be adjusted depending on actual ground conditions.
Residents in the affected areas were urged to monitor water levels and immediately report signs of ground movement, sudden rises in water levels and muddy floodwaters.
“Maging alerto sa pagtaas o pagbaba ng antas ng baha. Bantayan ang mga lugar na malapit sa mga ilog, dalisdis (slopes), at mga daluyan ng tubig (drainage canals). I-report o ipagbigay-alam agad ang anumang senyales ng paggalaw ng lupa, biglaang pagtaas ng tubig at pagputik ng tubig-baha (Be alert to the rise or fall of the flood level. Monitor areas near rivers, slopes and drainage canals. Immediately report or inform authorities of any signs of ground movement, sudden rise in water levels and flooding),” the MGB said.
“Ipaalam sa mga opisyal ng barangay kung makapansin ng mga bitak o crack sa mga pader, o kaya ay nakatagilid na sahig at poste, lalo na sa mga tabing-dagat o maburol na lugar (sloping areas) (Inform barangay officials if you notice cracks in the walls, or if the floors and posts are leaning, especially in coastal or sloping areas),” it added.
The bureau also reminded the public to identify emergency exits and safe areas and follow emergency procedures in their communities.
The public may check potential hazards in their area through the MGB Geohazard portal at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c48f83f81f1548bdb0a76c61638d52d6/ or the Hazard Hunter portal at https://hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph. (PNA)
