9,369 barangays prone to landslides, floods

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 9,369 barangays as vulnerable to landslides and floods, particularly amid heavy rainfall expected since Tuesday until tomorrow.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), an attached agency of the DENR, issued an advisory on the matter following a rainfall forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA estimated an accumulated rainfall of between 100 and 150 millimeters within 72 hours based on the Global Spectral Model and the Weather Research Forecast Model, which showed significant amounts of precipitation forming across several regions.

Of the vulnerable barangays, 3,009 were classified as “very highly susceptible.” These villages are located in Cagayan Valley with 1,172, Mimaropa with 247, Bicol with 901 and Western Visayas with 689.

Another 4,951 barangays in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Central Luzon and Calabarzon were considered highly susceptible to geohazards.

Central Luzon topped the list with 1,986 barangays followed by Ilocos with 1,799, the Cordilleras with 632 and Calabarzon with 537.

In the National Capital Region, 1,403 barangays were identified as vulnerable to floods and landslides, including Manila with 786, Quezon City with 138, Pasay with 119 and Makati with 32.

Rainfall is expected to be heaviest in the provinces of Antique, Occidental Mindoro and Zambales, where over 80 percent of barangays are at risk.

The DENR-MGB urged local officials to implement preemptive evacuation and monitor geohazard-prone areas, particularly those near slopes, rivers and creeks. Flood-prone communities have been advised to mobilize disaster response teams and initiate evacuation once the water level rises by half a meter.

Clearing of debris and obstructions in rivers and other waterways was also encouraged to reduce the risk of overflowing.

“Readiness and vigilance are important during this critical period. Local officials must activate emergency plans, disseminate information about potential risks, and ensure that safety measures are in place to protect communities,” the DENR-MGB said.