Luzon Communities on High Alert for Rain-Induced Hazards

Strategic Insights -

Communities and local government units (LGUs) in Luzon are being advised 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. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has posted a Geohazard Advisory 1, warning provincial, city, municipal, and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to prepare for possible weather-related disasters, especially in high-risk areas. The LPA, spotted 140 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, is expected to bring widespread rains to parts of Luzon, with heavy to intense rainfall projected in various provinces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MGB has advised communities and LGUs in Luzon to stay on high alert for possible rain-induced landslides, flash floods, flooding, and debris flows.
  • The LPA is expected to bring widespread rains to parts of Luzon, with heavy to intense rainfall projected in various provinces, including 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 has warned that rainfall could be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, and impacts may worsen due to already saturated soil from recent rains.
  • 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.
  • The MGB has flagged over 200 barangays in Cagayan and Isabela provinces for potential hazards.
  • Threshold values for Metro Manila are lower due to urban areas being prone to severe flooding due to poor drainage and high surface runoff.
  • 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 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.

Statistics:

  • 252 barangays across 12 provinces in Luzon are considered highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding from July 3 to 6.
  • 412 barangays in Metro Manila are considered highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding from July 3 to 6.
  • 200 barangays in Cagayan and Isabela provinces are flagged for potential hazards.
  • 140 kilometers is the distance of the LPA from Aparri, Cagayan.
  • The LPA is expected to bring widespread rains to parts of Luzon.

Sources:

  • Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)
  • Philippine News Agency
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
  • Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • GeoriskPH (Georisk.gov.ph)
  • HazardHunterPH (hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph)