Over 5,000 barangays warned of rain-induced landslides, flooding

More than 5,000 barangays nationwide are susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding amid rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Storm Pilandok, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said.

The MGB said 5,039 barangays are susceptible to geohazards from September 2 to 5 based on rainfall forecasts from the state weather bureau PAGASA.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, the 5,039 landslide- and flood-prone barangays were distributed across several regions, with the highest numbers recorded in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon:

• Ilocos Region — 1,888
• Central Luzon — 868
• Calabarzon — 808
• Cordillera Administrative Region — 480
• Western Visayas — 422
• National Capital Region — 384
• Mimaropa — 172
• Cagayan Valley — 17

“Based on the latest DOST-PAGASA 72-hour rainfall forecast, residents in listed areas and those nearby or downstream are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions,” the MGB said.

Geohazard susceptibility maps are developed based on local geology, landforms and terrain, as well as human activities that could increase disaster risks.

In its 24-hour weather forecast issued at 4 p.m. Wednesday, PAGASA said Habagat may bring rains to several parts of Luzon.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Pilandok is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday morning.— MCG, GMA News