Residents living in the low-lying areas and those areas declared as landslide-prone in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental are advised to take precautionary measures as Tropical Storm Basyang may affect these provinces.

Tropical Storm Basyang (with an international name Sanba) is expected to bring scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains over Eastern Visayas and Mindanao based on the data provided by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Light to moderate rains will be experienced in southern Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental at longer duration and may trigger possible landslide and may cause disaster in areas at the foot or slope of the mountains.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Central Visayas reminded all provincial governors in Central Visayas to activate all local disaster brigades to take preemptive actions in areas declared as ‘susceptible” to either landslide and flooding such as preemptive evacuation.

There are over 502 sitios in Cebu that were rated as “high” and “critical” areas for rain-induced landslide and flooding based on the 1:10,000 geohazard map.

Those living in areas along rivers, creeks, and coastal areas are also reminded to take necessary measures as they are at high-risk to flooding hazard.

“Results of the geohazard mapping and assessment within your areas of jurisdiction provided you with valuable information, findings and recommendation that would enhance your efforts at reducing the possible effects of impacts of TS Basyang,” the advisory said.

As of February 12, PAGASA has declared Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor under TCWS number 1.

Tropical Storm Basyang has a maximum sustained wind of up to 65 kph near the center and gusts up to 80 kph.

On February 14, Tropical Storm Basyang is forecasted to be at 160 km west-southwest of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

“The resilience of a community facing these hazard is greatest when the local population will participate in the central aim of the local government units’ risk management system,” said Al Emil G. Berador, Chief Geologist and In-charge of the Office of the Regional Director.