Baguio: Baguio and Benguet have recorded more than double their normal rainfall in July, which triggered dozens of landslides and road closures, the weather bureau reported Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), from July 1 to 28, Baguio logged 1,607.8 millimeters (mm) of rainfall, far exceeding the average July rainfall of 772.7 mm.
In Benguet, the PAGASA station at the Benguet State University recorded 1,371.8 mm of rain, nearly twice the monthly norm of 700.1 mm. This excessive rainfall, driven by multiple weather systems, including typhoons and the persistent southwest monsoon or 'habagat,' has saturated the soil, reducing its ability to absorb further rainfall and increasing the risk of landslides.
As of July 28, Benguet's Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recorded 131 landslides across the province - 48 on national roads, 19 on provincial roads, and 64 on local routes. Atok town was hardest hit, logging 29 incidents. Meanwhile, Baguio City recorded at least 87 landslides during the same period.
"These incidents resulted in widespread road closures across the province, significantly affecting transportation and mobility. Several major and minor roads became impassable due to debris, collapsed sections, and unstable slopes, disrupting the movement of people, goods, and emergency services. This prompts immediate response and clearing operations," the PDRRMC said in a report.
PAGASA Weather Advisory 59 on Wednesday said Baguio and Benguet will have a heavy rainfall outlook due to the southwest monsoon, and 50 mm to 100 mm of rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas.
