DENR: Over 9,000 barangays at risk of floods, landslides

As heavy rains threaten large parts of the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has raised an urgent alert on rain-induced landslides and floods that could affect over 9,000 barangays nationwide.

Citing rainfall forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the DENR-MGB said the General Circulation Model projects 80–100 mm of rain, while the Weather Research and Forecasting model expects 120–150 mm of rain over the next 72 hours.

Based on its geohazard assessments, the DENR-MGB flagged 3,009 barangays in 15 provinces in Bicol, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas as “very highly susceptible” to floods and landslides. Another 4,954 barangays in 22 provinces — including those in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon — were listed as “highly susceptible.”

In Metro Manila alone, 1,403 barangays face high susceptibility to flooding and landslides, prompting a call for immediate action.

Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Zambales are expected to experience the most intense rainfall, with more than 80 percent of barangays likely to be affected over the next three days.

DENR urges swift LGU action

The DENR-MGB has called on local government units (LGUs) to activate their disaster preparedness plans, particularly in areas flagged under the agency’s geohazard assessments.

Barangays may use the MGB Geohazard Portal to determine their exposure levels and plan accordingly.

For flood-prone areas, the agency advised immediate deployment of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) personnel to monitor river levels and clear waterway obstructions. Pre-emptive evacuation should be considered if water levels reach 0.5 meters.

For landslide-prone barangays, the MGB provided area-specific guidelines:

• Low susceptibility: Maintain communication with upstream barangays for early warnings of debris flow or sudden water surges. Evacuation may be pre-emptively ordered.

• Moderate susceptibility: Monitor homes and infrastructure for visible cracks or ground shifts. Residents near creeks and gullies are particularly at risk.

• High to very high susceptibility: Pre-emptive evacuations are strongly advised. Residents should only return once slopes have been declared safe.

The DENR-MGB stressed that proactive efforts from both LGUs and communities are critical to reducing the loss of life and property.

“Preparedness and vigilance are our best defenses,” the agency said, adding that information campaigns, emergency drills, and evacuation logistics should be in place ahead of the rains.