Luzon: The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued a warning to communities and local government units (LGUs) in Luzon to remain vigilant as a low pressure area (LPA) enhances the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat. This weather condition could lead to rain-induced landslides, flash floods, flooding, and debris flows throughout the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the MGB's Geohazard Advisory 1, shared on Facebook, highlights that the LPA, located 140 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, is expected to bring widespread rains to various parts of Luzon. The advisory stresses the need for provincial, city, municipal, and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to prepare for potential weather-related disasters, especially in areas identified as high-risk.
The latest weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts heavy to intense rainfall across multiple regions, including Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas. PAGASA warns that rainfall could be more severe in mountainous areas, with risks exacerbated by already saturated soil.
The MGB's latest list identifies 252 barangays across 12 provinces in Luzon and 412 barangays in Metro Manila as highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding from July 3 to 6. Specifically, in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, over 200 barangays have been flagged for potential hazards. In Metro Manila, urban areas face severe flooding threats due to poor drainage and high surface runoff, despite having lower threshold values.
The advisory also notes that even provinces not currently listed should activate preparedness measures and monitor future geohazard advisories, given the possibility of sudden changes in rainfall forecasts or weather conditions. The public is urged to consult the complete list of landslide- and flood-prone barangays online and use tools like the GeoriskPH's HazardHunterPH to understand local geohazards better.
Residents are encouraged to heed local warnings, stay updated on weather conditions, and be ready to evacuate if necessary to ensure safety during this period of enhanced monsoon rains.
