The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) flagged at least 1,955 barangays across Luzon and the Visayas as highly prone to floods and landslides in the aftermath of severe tropical storm ‘Kristine,’ urging local communities to stay alert for further risks from the approaching Tropical Storm Leon.
In its recent advisory posted on Facebook, MGB called on local government units (LGUs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to enforce vigilance and preparedness measures.
The MGB advises all LGUs, councils, and communities to remain alert for potential landslides, flash floods, and debris flows within their areas of responsibility, according to its Threat Advisory No. 1.
To help the public understand local geohazards, MGB encouraged citizens to access geohazard maps available online via the GeoriskPH and HazardHunterPH platforms.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), tropical storm ‘Leon’ is expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm by early Monday, with potential to strengthen into a typhoon by late Monday or early Tuesday.
The advisory from MGB covers October 27 to November 1, a period when rainfall and storm risks are projected to increase significantly.
Cagayan province reported the highest number of flood- and landslide-prone barangays at 802. Other affected areas include Batanes, Isabela, Negros Oriental, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
MGB highlighted that some provinces affected by ‘Kristine’ may not appear on this specific advisory list but are still advised to take necessary precautions.
Even if some areas are not listed, the MGB urges residents in affected communities to maintain preparedness and monitor for additional advisories, especially if rainfall projections or weather conditions shift unexpectedly.
The advisory used rainfall threshold values of 100mm (GSM) and 150mm (WRF) from PAGASA as a basis for its warnings, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and readiness.
