664 barangays, mostly in Metro Manila, at risk of flash floods

MANILA, Philippines — Some 664 barangays across Luzon are at risk of rain-induced landslides, flooding and debris flow from July 3 to 6, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

In yesterday’s advisory, the MGB attributed the heightened risk to heavy rains brought about by a low-pressure area that continues to enhance the southwest monsoon.

Of the at-risk barangays, 412 are in Metro Manila, including 117 in Manila, 114 in Quezon City, 92 in Caloocan, 33 in Valenzuela, 21 in Malabon, 18 in Navotas, 16 in Marikina and one in Pasig.

“The threshold values were lowered in Metro Manila due to the nature of flooding in highly urbanized areas, wherein rains are not readily absorbed by the ground,” the MGB said.

“This leads to increased surface runoff that overwhelms drainage systems and causes flooding in low-lying areas as well as those near waterways,” it added.

Another 252 barangays across northern and Central Luzon were also listed as vulnerable: 103 in Cagayan, 15 in Isabela, 68 in Zambales, 14 in Bataan, eight in Apayao, five in Kalinga and 39 in Ilocos Sur.

Rainfall accumulation between 50 and 100 millimeters is expected in Metro Manila over the coming days.

Local government units should activate preemptive safety measures based on their area’s susceptibility, the MGB said.

Measures include deploying disaster response teams, clearing waterways, monitoring river levels and enforcing evacuation protocols in high-risk zones.

Class suspensions

Classes were suspended yesterday in Metro Manila and other provinces amid heavy rains brought by the LPA.

Caloocan, Las Piñas, Pasig, Pateros and Valenzuela suspended classes in public and private schools.

Afternoon classes were canceled in Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, San Juan and Quezon City.

Cavite and Tanay, Rizal also suspended classes.

In Cagayan, the towns of Aparri, Camalaniugan, Claveria, Gonzaga and Sto. Niño suspended classes.

In La Union, public school classes were suspended in the towns of Bacnotan, Bangar, Luna and Sudipen. Private schools did not suspend classes.

Local officials and school authorities declared early class cancellations as heavy rains flooded several low-lying areas and caused zero visibility along main roads.

Disaster-ready

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is mobilizing its resources amid heavy rains across Luzon.

Acting on President Marcos’ directive to strengthen national disaster preparedness, the OCD convened yesterday a virtual emergency operations center to assess the changing weather situation and align response efforts.

The virtual center serves as the central coordination platform of relevant state agencies and uniformed services, the OCD noted.

More rains

The LPA could intensify into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours, according to the state weather bureau.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was located over the coastal waters of Sabtang, Batanes.

It may gradually shift toward east of Taiwan by the weekend.

Heavy rains are projected in Cagayan, Apayao, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga and Abra.

Monsoon rains will also persist over western and Central Luzon, including Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro. –  Bella Cariaso, Michael Punongbayan, Janvic Mateo, Jun Elias