THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local governments (LGUs) to enforce preemptive and forced evacuations, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone areas, as heavy rains continue across parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
In an advisory, the DILG urged LGUs to immediately relocate at-risk residents to designated evacuation centers or other safe areas, stressing that early action is critical to prevent casualties and protect communities.
The advisory was issued amid threats of more rains because of Typhoon Pilandok and the prevailing southwest monsoon or habagat. Since August 1, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the death toll brought about by the combined effects of tropical storms Luis, Maymay, Neneng and the southwest monsoon climbed has to 34.
According to the DILG, LGUs must prioritize the safety and protection of vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
In barangays susceptible to moderate flooding, LGU or DRRMO personnel must closely monitor water levels and initiate preemptive evacuation when floodwaters are about to reach 0.5 meters, particularly among households along riverbanks vulnerable to erosion and slope undercutting.
In highly flood-prone areas, LGUs must immediately enforce preemptive evacuation protocols and clear obstructions along river channels to ensure the unimpeded flow of floodwaters. Residents are likewise urged to stay away from identified flash flood-prone areas.
For landslide-prone communities, barangays with lower susceptibility should coordinate with upstream communities on landslides that could cause river blockage and trigger debris flows. Moderately susceptible areas must immediately report ground cracks or unusual movement and undertake preemptive evacuation.
In areas highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides, preemptive evacuation is immediately recommended. Residents must not be allowed to return to affected areas until authorities have declared them safe for occupancy.
The DILG, in coordination with Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, also called for heightened vigilance in communities within identified lahar hazard zones, including the Pinatubo and Taal volcanoes lahar hazard areas.
Thousands of personnel from the National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are currently deployed to assist in evacuation centers and flood-affected areas, among others.
The DILG, likewise, urged the public to remain vigilant, voluntarily evacuate when necessary, and cooperate with government rescue entities to avoid untoward incidents.