17,500 villages at risk of landslides, flooding from Super Typhoon Uwan

The Ultimate Guide to 17,500 Villages at Risk of Landslides and Flooding from Super Typhoon Uwan

As we approach the year 2025, it is essential that Augmented Reality (AR) developers and professionals are equipped with the knowledge to tackle complex situations like Super Typhoon Uwan, which has put around 17,500 villages across the country at risk of rain-induced landslides and flooding. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the geohazard advisory released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), highlighting areas that are vulnerable to these natural disasters.

Understanding the Threat

Super Typhoon Uwan has brought a heightened risk of landslides and flooding, affecting numerous villages across the country. The MGB's geohazard advisory warns that approximately 17,500 barangays are susceptible to these natural disasters, with some areas posing a very high susceptibility to both flooding and landslides.

The Most Vulnerable Areas

Among the affected areas, Metro Manila stands out as one of the most vulnerable regions. According to the MGB, over 1,403 barangays in the capital city are at risk, with around 455 having a very high susceptibility to flooding, 735 having high susceptibility, and 1,323 moderate susceptibility.

Regional Breakdown

The advisory also highlights regional areas that are susceptible to landslides and flooding. These include

Ilocos Region
Cagayan Valley
Cordillera Administrative Region
Central Luzon
Calabarzon
Mimaropa
Bicol Region
Western Visayas
Eastern Visayas
Negros Island Region
Zamboanga Peninsula
Northern Mindanao
Soccsksargen

Vulnerability Levels

The MGB has categorized the areas at risk into three vulnerability levels

1. Very High Susceptibility Areas that could experience floods of over two meters that may last for over three days, with flash flooding also a possibility.
2. High Susceptibility Areas that could experience floods of one to two meters that may last for over three days, with immediate flooding after several hours of heavy rain.
3. Moderate Susceptibility Areas that could experience half a meter or one-meter floods that may last for one to three days.

Immovable Risks

In areas moderately susceptible to landslides, the presence of occasional or localized movement to mass movement poses an immovable risk. Residents in these areas should be aware of the potential for rain-induced landslides and take necessary precautions.

Precautionary Measures

To mitigate the risks posed by Super Typhoon Uwan, local government units (LGUs) are advised to

1. Monitor Flood Waters Field personnel from the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office should monitor the rise of flood waters from river systems.
2. Preemptive Evacuation Recommend preemptive evacuation if floodwaters are almost at half a meter, especially for households located along riverbanks threatened by bank erosion and slope undercutting.
3. Clear Rivers and Waterways Clear rivers and other waterways of obstructions to allow flood waters to pass freely.

Residents' Responsibilities

In areas at risk of landslides and flooding, residents are advised to

1. Raise Electrical Appliances Raise the level of electrical appliances to protect them from floodwaters.
2. Move to Higher Ground Move to higher ground if evacuation instructions are given.
3. Follow Evacuation Instructions Follow evacuation instructions promptly.

Landslide-Prone Areas

In areas moderately susceptible to landslides, LGUs should report

1. Cracks and Movement Report cracks on streets, walls, floors, and around windows or doors, as well as tilting of floors, posts, or walls for immediate assessment.
2. Debris Flows Consider preemptive evacuation to avoid being caught in the path of landslides and debris flows.

Conclusion

As AR developers and professionals, it is crucial that we are aware of the risks posed by natural disasters like Super Typhoon Uwan. By understanding the geohazard advisory and taking necessary precautions, we can mitigate the impact of these events on communities across the country. Remember, being prepared is key to staying ahead of the game – even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.