Over 17,000 barangays face flood, landslide risks

MANILA, Philippines — More than 17,000 barangays are at moderate to very high risk of flooding and rain-induced landslides, prompting the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to order local government units to step up preventive measures amid the southwest monsoon.

“LGUs must act before conditions worsen, particularly in communities already identified as vulnerable to flooding and landslides, to protect lives and ensure that emergency response operations can be carried out without delay,” said the DILG in a statement on Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” is expected to persist over parts of Luzon and Visayas.

Read: Habagat to persist over parts of Luzon, Visayas Tuesday

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the full list of barangays nationwide at risk of landslides and floods, valid until August 19, is available through this link.

The DILG instructed LGUs to conduct pre-disaster risk assessments covering various hydrometeorological hazards, including floods, landslides, debris flow, and strong winds.

LGUs were also ordered to implement preemptive or mandatory evacuations in repeatedly affected communities when necessary, while ensuring that evacuation centers and health facilities have reliable power and operational generators.

Using hazard maps, LGUs must identify high-risk communities and preposition personnel and equipment to clear roads and maintain access for emergency and relief operations.

Local disaster risk reduction personnel were likewise directed to monitor river levels, particularly in vulnerable areas. 

“In high-risk zones, LGUs must implement preemptive evacuation protocols, particularly for households near active river systems, keep waterways clear, and strictly restrict access to identified flash flood-prone areas,” said the DILG.

Residents in areas with lower landslide susceptibility were urged to watch for warning signs, such as sudden changes in water flow or clear water becoming muddy. 

“In moderately susceptible areas, LGUs should consider preemptive evacuation, particularly for residents living at or near the foot of gullies and creeks,” said the DILG.

Those in highly susceptible areas were strongly advised to move to safer locations. 

Communities previously hit by landslides were urged not to return until authorities inspect and declare the area safe. INQ /mr