MGB identifies almost 2,000 flood, landslide-prone barangays

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has identified 1,955 flood and landslide-flood-prone barangays following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and warned the public to take precautions amid Tropical Storm Leon.

In its threat advisory on Sunday, MGB said Cagayan logged the most number of flood and landslide-flood-prone barangays with 802.

The other affected barangays are situated in the provinces of Batanes, Isabela, Negros Oriental, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

“Although some provinces mentioned in Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) advisories to be affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine 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,” MGB said.

The public may check on their respective barangays on MGB’s complete list.  

The threat advisory covers the period from October 27 to November 1.

The barangays were identified as flood and landslide-flood-prone based on 100 millimeter (GSM) and 150 mm Weather Research and Forecasting model rainfall threshold values.

“It is advised that all local government units (LGUs), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, as well as the communities to remain vigilant for possible occurrence of landslides, flood/flash flood and or debris flow in their respective Areas of Responsibility,” MGB said.

MGB recommends that affected barangays conduct pre-emptive evacuation protocols for residents if the situation warrants them.

Despite the emergency preparedness response of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council having been downgraded, MGB said LGUs should keep checking for signs of slope instability before allowing residents to return to their houses.

Residents who live near bodies of water are also advised to monitor the increase in floodwater.

“Vigilant monitoring of areas near rivers and creeks that show vertical movement indicating possible active subsurface erosion is also highly advised,” MGB said.

Those in the upstream areas were warned of landslides that may cause artificial damming, which may result in flash flooding or debris flows in the downstream areas.

MGB also advised residents and authorities to monitor areas that experienced a downpour and those that manifest signs of slope failure or mass movement, as rain-induced landslides may occur 2 to 3 days after the heavy rainfall.

Mining companies were also advised to activate their respective emergency response and preparedness teams and coordinate with LGUs in enforcing it.

The public may check geohazards in their areas through the government’s HazardHunterPH.

Kristine left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday but PAGASA said it may loop over the West Philippine Sea on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Leon entered PAR on Saturday and is forecasted to remain far from the Philippine landmass.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News