The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has identified at least 2,123 barangays across the Philippines as susceptible to landslides and flooding as consequence of tropical storm (TS) Marce.
The agency’s geohazards threat advisory, released Monday at 11 a.m., highlighted the urgency of the situation as the storm approaches.
The Ilocos region bears the brunt of the risk, with 546 barangays flagged for potential landslides and floods—544 in Ilocos Norte and two in Ilocos Sur.
Other regions at significant risk include Cagayan Valley with 484 barangays, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 224, and Northern Mindanao with 212.
Additional areas of concern include Zamboanga Peninsula (145 barangays), Cordillera Administrative Region (121), and Caraga (110). Notably, the Davao Region has 76 barangays at risk, followed by Central Visayas (64), Soccsksargen (63), and 39 each in Mimaropa and Western Visayas.
The advisory covers forecasts from November 4 to 9, 2024, and underscores the need for vigilance.
The MGB has urged both national and local government units (LGUs) to remain alert for possible landslides, flooding, flash floods, and debris flow. In light of the potential hazards, local authorities are encouraged to initiate pre-emptive evacuation protocols when necessary. MGB stressed the importance of ensuring that all evacuation centers are safe from the threats posed by landslides and flooding.
Residents are advised to monitor rapidly rising floodwaters, particularly in low-lying areas and those near dams, and to remain prepared in areas previously affected by flash floods and debris flows.
Moreover, the MGB has called on mining companies to activate their emergency response teams and coordinate with government agencies to enforce preparedness and response protocols.
This collaboration aims to mitigate the impacts of geohazards potentially triggered by TS Marce. As the country braces for the storm, the emphasis remains on proactive measures to safeguard communities and reduce risks associated with natural disasters.
