Heavy rains endanger 8,800 barangays with landslides, floods

MANILA – A total of 8,823 barangays nationwide are susceptible to landslides and flooding due to heavy rains, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) warned on Saturday.

The agency said the advisory is based on the latest 72-hour rainfall forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and will be valid from Aug. 29 until Sept. 1.

“(R)esidents in listed areas and those nearby or downstream are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Forecasts use GSM (50 mm.) and WRF (50 mm.) rainfall thresholds. These thresholds may vary depending on ground conditions,” it said.

The covered areas include several communities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, Metro Manila, Aurora, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.

The full list of barangays susceptible to landslides and floods may be accessed HERE or the MGB’s official social media page.

In a separate statement, the Office of Civil Defense said the areas not included in the list but located in close proximity to or downstream of the listed areas "may also be affected."

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng have affected 2.3 million families, or 8 million individuals, across the country as of Aug. 29.

The death toll from the severe weather has since climbed to 32, while those injured are at 19. The council said at least three people are still missing in Quezon City, Manila, and Batangas City. (PNA)