MANILA – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on Thursday advised communities and local government units (LGUs) in Luzon to stay on high alert for possible rain-induced landslides, flash floods, flooding, and debris flows as a low pressure area (LPA) strengthens the southwest monsoon or habagat.
In its Geohazard Advisory 1 posted on Facebook, the MGB, which is under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said the LPA spotted 140 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan could bring widespread rains to parts of Luzon.
The MGB said provincial, city, municipal, and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils should prepare for possible weather-related disasters, especially in high-risk areas.
The latest weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), issued at 11 a.m. on Thursday, showed projected heavy to intense rainfall in Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas.
PAGASA said rainfall could be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, and impacts may worsen due to already saturated soil from recent rains.
Based on MGB’s latest list, 252 barangays across 12 provinces in Luzon and 412 barangays in Metro Manila are considered highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding from July 3 to 6.
In Cagayan and Isabela provinces alone, the MGB has flagged over 200 barangays for potential hazards.
Meanwhile, it said threshold values for Metro Manila are lower because urban areas are prone to severe flooding due to poor drainage and high surface runoff.
“Although some provinces mentioned in DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-PAGASA advisories to be affected by are not included in the current list, they are still advised to activate the appropriate preparedness measures and monitor for future geohazard advisories, should there be any sudden changes in the rainfall forecast or weather conditions,” the MGB advisory reads.
The public is encouraged to view the complete list of landslide- and flood-prone barangays at tinyurl.com/MGBListingsJuly3 and check the GeoriskPH’s HazardHunterPH tool, hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph, to better understand geohazards in their area.
Residents are also reminded to heed local warnings, monitor weather updates, and be ready to evacuate if necessary to ensure safety during this period of enhanced monsoon rains. (PNA)