The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has identified 1,955 barangays across the Philippines as vulnerable to landslides and flooding due to the projected impact of Tropical Storm Leon.
In a geohazards threat advisory released Sunday, the MGB said the Cagayan Valley region is particularly at risk, its 962 barangays threatened. Specifically, 802 of these are in Cagayan, 131 in Isabela, and 29 in Batanes.
Western Visayas is also seen significantly affected, with 801 barangays identified as susceptible to flooding and landslides— 524 in Antique, 166 in Negros Occidental, 73 in Iloilo, and 38 in Aklan. Other areas of concern include 92 barangays in Apayao and four in Kalinga (Cordillera Administrative Region), 81 in Occidental Mindoro and 10 in Palawan (Mimaropa region), three in Ilocos Norte, and two in Negros Oriental.
The advisory, covering the period from October 27 to November 1, 2024, urges national and local authorities to remain vigilant against potential landslides, floods, flash floods, and debris flows. It emphasizes the necessity of pre-emptive evacuation measures by local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of residents.
The MGB further advises LGUs to verify that evacuation centers are free from risks associated with landslides and flooding. Residents are urged to monitor floodwater levels, especially in low-lying areas and near dams, and to prepare for the possibility of flash floods and debris flows.
In addition, the MGB has called on mining companies to activate their emergency response teams and coordinate with government agencies to mitigate the risks posed by TS Leon.
