The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has identified 205 villages in Ilocos Sur that may be vulnerable to flooding and landslides during inclement weather. In a statement on Thursday, the MGB urged residents to “Please be alert and help monitor your areas for possible landslides, floods or mudflows,” as light to moderate rains, at times heavy, continue in the province.
The MGB, part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), noted that recent weather disturbances have saturated the soil, increasing the risk of landslides, particularly in sloped areas. Laurence Mina, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), emphasized the need for local disaster response units to remain vigilant and prepared for potential mandatory evacuations. “Hopefully, these rains will not trigger flooding anymore but let us stay vigilant,” he stated, highlighting the saturated soil conditions.
Mina also mentioned ongoing coordination with authorities to utilize air assets for reaching isolated residents in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, ensuring their safety and delivering essential supplies like food packs and generator sets. As of Thursday, OCD data indicated that 4,436 families, or approximately 17,000 individuals, remain in evacuation centers across the region, primarily from low-lying areas in Pangasinan, La Union, and southern Ilocos Sur. Additionally, around 2,400 families, or 24,000 individuals, are receiving government aid while temporarily sheltering elsewhere.
Ivy May Graycochea, a geologist from the MGB Ilocos Region’s Geosciences Division, stressed that local government units (LGUs) should not allow evacuees to return to landslide-prone areas without official clearance. “Residents should not be allowed to return to areas where a landslide occurred until authorities confirm it is safe,” she advised. Graycochea also recommended removing obstructions from river channels to facilitate water flow and prevent flooding in low-lying communities.