‘564 villages in Cordillera at risk for landslides, floods from heavy rains on July 16-19’ – DENR-MGB

Baguio City, Philippines – The Department of Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has listed 564 villages in Cordillera vulnerable to possible flooding and rain-induced landslide from July 16 – 19, 2025.

The MGB – Cordillera’s geohazards advisory released Wednesday came in as response to the rainfall and tracked forecast of the state weather bureau.

The agency said the Low Pressure Area east of Catanduanes has developed into Tropical Depression “Crising” and is moving westward at 35 kilometers per hour.

“Crising” is forecast to reach Tropical Storm category by tomorrow morning, July 17, and may reach Severe Tropical Storm category by Friday afternoon or evening, before its approach to the Northern Luzon area.

According to MGB – Cordillera, forecast rainfall is generally higher in elevated mountainous areas, and flooding and landslides are most likely to occur in areas that are prone to geohazards as identified in the susceptibility maps.

“Localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days may also experience various levels of flooding, especially those areas being transected by major river systems,” it added.

Some villages are being monitored, specifically 210 in Abra, 99 in Benguet, 98 in Mt. Province, 72 in Apayao, 50 in Kalinga, and 35 in Ifugao. For a full list of the hazard-prone barangays, refer to this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1CgM-l-S7eghofzKBt51S-NOcQ4x8i--9 .

The bureau advised all local government units (LGUs) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at all levels to be vigilant and monitor their respective areas of responsibility for possible occurrences of landslides, floods, or flash floods, and debris flow.

Mining companies in the region were further tasked to activate their emergency response and preparedness teams, and were told to coordinate with the LGUs and communities in enforcing their protocols to minimize geohazard impacts.