The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has warned of possible landslides and flooding in 1,342 villages across Eastern Visayas as Tropical Storm Opong nears.
According to MGB, 1,035 villages are highly susceptible to flooding, while 307 are prone to rain-induced landslides. Northern Samar has the most landslide-prone areas at 90, followed by Leyte (81), Samar (65), Eastern Samar (30), Biliran (29), and Southern Leyte (12).
For flooding, 332 villages are in Samar, 239 in Eastern Samar, 233 in Northern Samar, 177 in Leyte, and 54 in Biliran.
“There are possible landslides and flooding. Please be alert and help monitor your areas for possible landslides, floods, or mudflows,” the MGB regional office said in an advisory.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant, especially in areas near rivers, slopes, and drainage canals. They are advised to report sudden water level changes, soil movements, muddy water, or cracks in walls and tilting floors in sloping areas to their village officials.
MGB also encouraged Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees to coordinate with local disaster councils in preparing evacuation centers and response plans. The list of vulnerable communities can be accessed through this link: https://tinyurl.com/MGB8-2025-ADVISORIES.
Meanwhile, PAGASA reported that Tropical Storm Opong was spotted 815 km east of northeastern Mindanao. Signal No. 1 has been raised in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar provinces.
