Mines field teams on high alert as Typhoon Nando strengthens

MANILA, Philippines — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) over the weekend said it has placed its field teams on high alert as Typhoon Nando threatens to intensify into a super typhoon and unleash heavy rains that could trigger landslides and flash floods in vulnerable communities.

The MGB, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said it participated in the hybrid emergency meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Saturday as part of government-wide preparations for the storm.

“As Typhoon Nando is projected to intensify into a super typhoon and bring heavy rainfall, the MGB is closely monitoring potential threats of landslides, flash floods and debris flow especially in high-risk communities,” the bureau said.

It said it has already dispatched personnel to high-risk provinces with geohazard maps guiding local officials in identifying danger areas and evacuation sites.

Citing the Office of Civil Defense, the bureau said at least 111 families or some 380 individuals have been evacuated from the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon) due to the combined effects of Nando and the southwest monsoon.

The NDRRMC earlier placed the country under red alert status, triggering heightened monitoring across its member agencies.

The MGB said its regional offices remain on standby to conduct rapid geohazard assessments.

3It also urged residents in threatened areas to stay alert, heed evacuation orders and rely only on official advisories from local governments.

According to the latest projection from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Nando is expected to either pass near or make landfall in Batanes or the Babuyan Islands today.