MGB issues geohazard advisory for 3,510 barangays in Luzon and Mindanao due to LPA and Habagat

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued a geohazard advisory for Luzon and Mindanao due to heavy rains from a low pressure area (LPA) and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, urging communities and local government units to stay on high alert.

The MGB identified 252 barangays in Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Bataan, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur, as well as at least eight cities in Metro Manila and 24 provinces across Luzon and Mindanao, as particularly susceptible to landslides, debris flows, and flash floods.

Metro Manila remains highly vulnerable with geohazards expected in 412 barangays across several cities due to the urbanized nature of flooding in these areas, where lower threshold values were set because the land cannot readily absorb rainwater leading to increased surface runoff and flooding in low-lying areas near waterways.

PAGASA forecasts heavier rains over different parts of Luzon up until Sunday, with specific rainfall amounts expected in various provinces due to the LPA and Habagat, and impacts may worsen due to already saturated soil from recent rains.

The advisory also extends to Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao with 3,358 other villages at risk of moderate to very high flooding, landslides, and debris flows.

The President has ordered agencies to step up flood mitigation efforts during the typhoon season, including immediate cleaning of drainages to prevent rapid flooding in Metro Manila.