The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has issued a critical alert as several regions in the Philippines face increased risks of rain-induced landslides as well as flooding due to heavy rainfall forecasted by PAGASA.
According to rainfall models from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the Global Spectral Model projects 80 to 100 millimeters of rain within a 72-hour period. The Weather Research Forecast model, on the other hand, estimates significantly higher levels of 120 to 150 millimeters.
Based on these forecasts, the DENR-MGB has identified 3,009 barangays in 15 provinces in Bicol, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas as very highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding. An additional 4,954 barangays in 22 provinces, including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon, are considered highly susceptible as well. In Metro Manila, 1,403 barangays have been flagged as facing high susceptibility, which prompts the need for urgent precautionary measures.
Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Zambales are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall, with over 80 percent of barangays in these areas likely to be affected in the next three days. The DENR-MGB is calling on local government units to act swiftly to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents.
To assist local governments, the bureau advised using the MGB Geohazard Portal to identify barangay-level susceptibility to flooding and landslides. In flood-prone areas, disaster risk reduction teams are urged to monitor river water levels and implement pre-emptive evacuations if water levels approach the 0.5-meter critical mark. Authorities are also encouraged to clear obstructions along waterways to prevent flooding.
The DENR-MGB emphasized the importance of proactive emergency planning and community vigilance as the country faces this period of heightened weather-related hazards.
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