Baguio: The city government is urging residents to remain vigilant as continued heavy rains have saturated mountain slopes and triggered 234 rain-induced incidents, including landslides, soil erosion, and fallen trees. Aileen Refuerzo, chief of the Baguio City Public Information Office, urged residents to monitor their surroundings and immediately report unusual signs or hazards near their homes.
According to Philippines News Agency, residents can call 911 to report hazards, with the city Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ready to respond and implement preventive measures when necessary. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the City DRRMO had recorded 71 landslide, soil erosion, and rockslide incidents; 97 fallen or leaning trees; and 14 eroded riprap and other rain-related incidents. At least eight houses were totally damaged, and 51 sustained partial damage.
Refuerzo urged residents to report falling, leaning, or fallen trees to prevent further damage to property and possible loss of life. The city and Benguet received 2,868.7 millimeters of rain from Aug. 1 to 31, more than three times the 925-millimeter average rainfall for August, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The warning comes after a massive landslide in Barangay Guisad Surong that killed 10 people and injured three. An investigation found cracks on the mountain before it collapsed following prolonged heavy rains. Larry Esperanza, head of the PAGASA-Baguio synoptic station, said Wednesday that Baguio and Benguet would continue to experience rainy conditions and strong winds due to the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Pilandok.
PAGASA is expecting two to three more tropical cyclones to develop in September, he said. The agency is also monitoring another cyclone which could bring additional rain. 'July to September are historically rainy months with tropical cyclones,' Esperanza said. He urged residents to stay home when possible and remain alert even while indoors.
'The drenched soil because of more than a month of heavy rains is a threat, so let us not be confident, but instead, be on guard,' he said.
