Eastern visayas: The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued a warning regarding a very high possibility of landslides and flooding in 1,454 villages across Eastern Visayas as a result of Tropical Storm Basyang.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MGB's advisory, released on Thursday, indicated that out of the total number of villages at risk, 1,018 are highly susceptible to flooding, while 436 face a very high possibility of rain-induced landslides. These at-risk areas include 155 communities in Southern Leyte province, 139 in Leyte, 67 in Eastern Samar, 62 in Northern Samar, eight in Biliran, and five in Samar.

In terms of villages with a very high probability of flooding, 323 are located in Eastern Samar province, 293 in Leyte, 185 in Northern Samar, 88 in Samar, 88 in Southern Leyte, and 41 in Biliran. The statement from Celeste Faith de la Cruz of the MGB Eastern Visayas regional information office highlighted that the antecedent rainfall due to a shear line, combined with additional rainfall from Tropical Storm Basyang, significantly increases the likelihood of such natural events.

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant for changes in flood levels and to monitor areas near rivers, slopes, or drainage canals for signs of soil movement or rapidly rising water. Any detection of muddy water, cracks in walls, or tilting of floors and posts in sloping areas should be reported to village officials.

The MGB's warning aims to prepare vulnerable communities for the forthcoming impacts of the weather disturbance. A list of affected communities can be accessed online. The MGB also advised Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees to work with their City or Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to develop emergency plans, including identifying safe and suitable evacuation centers.