DAVAO CITY – Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga is urging local government units (LGUs) to utilize geohazard maps from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) to reduce casualties and improve disaster preparedness during severe weather events.
In a briefing at the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Camp Crame, Loyzaga underscored the value of referencing these maps, which highlight areas susceptible to flooding and landslides, to guide pre-emptive and forced evacuations.
“We hope our local officials will integrate these geohazard maps in their decision-making processes, especially regarding preemptive evacuations and the identification of safer zones for communities,” Loyzaga said.
The geohazard maps, regularly updated with data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), provide a comprehensive list of areas likely to experience landslides and significant flooding. This data has been shared with the OCD for distribution to LGUs.
“DENR-MGB uses PAGASA’s rainfall data and cross-references it with known landslide- and flood-prone areas across the country,” Loyzaga explained. “This process allows us to pinpoint provinces, municipalities, and barangays likely to be impacted by severe weather, such as the approaching Tropical Cyclone Marce.”
Loyzaga highlighted that landslide-prone areas are often located near mountainous slopes, while areas close to coastlines, rivers, and low-lying regions face a heightened risk of flooding.
With Marce’s arrival imminent, Loyzaga stated that they are closely monitoring rivers along its path, including the Cagayan River Basin, and rivers in Abra, Laoag, and Vintar in Ilocos Norte, as well as the Cordillera region. She also urged residents in coastal and low-lying areas of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and parts of Mindanao to be vigilant against potential storm surges.
“We need to adopt a preventive approach and not wait for strong waves to reach our homes,” she said.
Additionally, the DENR has ramped up its collaboration with dam operators and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to manage water levels in critical dams like Magat and San Roque. This includes coordination with the National Irrigation Administration and National Power Corporation to control water releases from dams and mitigate downstream flooding risks.
As the DENR refines its disaster response strategies, Loyzaga assured the public of the agency’s commitment to close collaboration with local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure effective information dissemination and prompt evacuation plans, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to natural disasters.
