A total of 507 barangays in Region 1 have been identified by DOST-PAGASA as susceptible to floods and landslides, prompting authorities to maintain full alert status as heavy rains remain possible.

The list includes five barangays in Ilocos Norte, 159 barangays in Ilocos Sur, and 343 barangays in La Union.

In line with this, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 1 is on alert in different provinces.

“Since ‘yung mga dumaan na tatlong naunang bagyo at itong habagat, hindi pa kami nag-downgrade. Red alert pa rin lahat ang buong Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” Laurence Mina, OCD Region 1 Director, said.

In Rosario, La Union, some barangays are among the first to flood during heavy rains, especially when typhoons or monsoon weather hit.

In Barangay Bani, authorities monitor more than 10 families closely whenever the river swells during high tide.

“Ang ginagawa namin, nag fo-forced evacuate na kami kaagad. Kung ayaw nila, okey lang basta ‘yung mga bata ang mailikas sa evacuation center,” Barangay Councilman Ronilo Balcita said.

Even with fair weather in most parts of La Union on Thursday, residents near mountains or rivers remain on alert. With soil already saturated, continuous heavy rain could trigger rapid flooding.

“Kapag wala kasing harang diyan, masisira ang bahay namin,” Felipe Robles, a resident, said.

Authorities are also keeping a close watch on major river systems in the region and have advised barangay officials on preparedness measures in case flooding occurs.