The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has warned anew the possibility of landslides and flooding as a result of two low pressure areas (LPA).

“We’d like to see our communities safer when there’s an upcoming typhoon as we caution them particularly those who are situated in a foot of a steep slope or along the riverbanks or creeks,” said MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported at 4:00 AM today (September 4), the LPA was estimated based on all available data in the vicinity of Casiguran, Aurora (16.0ºN, 122.6ºE). Meanwhile, another Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 770 km east of Virac, Catanduanes (13.5ºN 132.0ºE).

“Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to northwest will prevail over Luzon and coming from the west to southwest over Visayas and Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate,” says PAGASA.

With this, the MGB 7 issued an advisory to 19 barangays in Cebu City which are highly susceptible landslides, namely, Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot-Taup, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Tagbao, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay,Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin, Buhisan, Pamutan, Sapangdaku, and Adlaon.

Barangays Tagjaguimit, Alpaco, Balirong, Mayana, Naalad, and Cogon in City of Naga.; 11 barangays in Balamban: Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Luca, Ginatilan, Cabasiangan, Matun-og, Cansomoroy, Gaas, Magsaysay, Cabagdalan, and Duangan.

Five barangays in Toledo City: Tungkay, Pangamihan, Bagacay, Loay and Don Andres Soriano; Lamac in Pinamungahan; Five barangays in Asturias:Agbanga, Baye, Bairan, Kanluangan and Sak-sak.

In Catmon, Cebu, 12 barangays were mapped: Amancion,  Anapog, Bactas, Bongyas, ambangkaya, Cabungaan, Can-ibuang, Duyan, Ginabucan, Panalipan, Tabili and Tinabyonan). all mountain barangays in Talisay City; Brgy. Doldol, Purok 3 in Dumanjug; and Cansalonoy in Ronda.

“We urged our local chief executives to use the available data as provided by the MGB 7 through the geohazards threat advisories so that they will know which areas are prone to flooding or landslides,” said DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo.

Montejo added areas which have been declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides by the MGB should be carefully watched for especially during heavy rains or typhoons.

He added the conduct a pre-emptive evacuation should be carried out to keep the communities from harm’s way.

Alburo said the assessment reveals that there are five barangays in Cebu City that are considered to be most hazardous to flooding and these are Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, Labangon, Mabolo, and Bonbon; and seven barangays in Mandaue City to include Subangdaku, Mantuyong, Umapad, Opao, Alang-alang, Guizo, and Pakna-an.