Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) urged local government units (LGUs) to maximize the use of geohazard maps to further improve their disaster management capabilities. The geohazard maps are provided by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In a news release Tuesday night, OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the maps are distributed to governors, mayors and local disaster officials to enhance their disaster preparedness. The maps identify areas vulnerable to geological hazards such as landslides and floods. The proper use of the maps can help protect lives and minimize property damage, Nepomuceno said. 'They should be able to translate warnings into actionable responses,' Nepomuceno said. He said it is important to incorporate these geohazard maps, which are available online through the MGB website, into local disaster management plans. Nepomuceno urged residents and LGUs in the regions of Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Bi col to brace for the possible effects of now Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-rey). On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered mandatory evacuations in areas identified as high-risk due to the anticipated adverse weather conditions from Leon. Source: Philippines News Agency