Nearly 9,000 barangays across the Philippines face severe threats of flooding and rain-induced landslides as the southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to unleash intense rainfall, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The MGB identified the vulnerable areas using rainfall projections from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Forecasts highlight that 113 barangays in Mimaropa and 90 in Western Visayas are anticipated to receive 100 to 150 millimeters of rain.
The monsoon’s intensity is currently heightened by Typhoon Dolphin, which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Heavy downpours on Saturday triggered severe localized flooding throughout Mimaropa:
- Oriental Mindoro: Knee-deep floodwaters covered White Beach in Puerto Galera, while Calapan City disaster officials alerted residents in low-lying and riverbank zones to prepare for severe urban flooding.
- Occidental Mindoro: Overflow from the Lumintao River submerged farmlands in Calintaan, and floodwaters in Sablayan forced emergency evacuations in Sitio Pandan.
- Romblon: The Philippine Coast Guard executed overnight evacuations, rescuing 12 residents in Odiongan, 11 near a Looc riverbank, and a family of five in Alcantara.
The Office of Civil Defense reported at least six fatalities linked to the cumulative impacts of Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay alongside the enhanced southwest monsoon.