PUBLIC URGED TO CHECK SURRONDINGS FOR RAIN-TRIGGERED HAZARDS

July 5, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The city government has renewed its call for residents to inspect their homes and surroundings for possible hazards, as frequent heavy rains continue to raise the risk of landslides and soil erosion in the area. Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised the public on Thursday to be alert for signs of soil instability, such as cracks or shifting ground near homes and along slopes.
“Check your surroundings, your houses for signs of possible occurrence of landslides. Check also your houses especially with frequent heavy rains being experienced,” Magalong said in Filipino. He issued the call following reports of landslides, soil erosion, and collapsed riprap walls in some parts of the city.

The City Public Information Office has also shared photos of clogged drainage systems and overflowing canals, which worsen the situation. Magalong reminded residents to properly dispose of waste to avoid clogging drainage systems and urged barangay officials to be vigilant and ready to mobilize in case of emergencies. Based on the latest rainfall forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, the province of Benguet, including Baguio City, is among the areas under a
yellow rainfall warning due to the low-pressure area near Cagayan province and the southwest monsoon.

The province will experience 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall until Saturday noon. The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) raised a blue alert status on Wednesday, instructing local DRRM councils to monitor vulnerable areas, conduct preemptive evacuations when needed, and suspend mining or tourism activities in high-risk zones. For emergencies, residents are urged to call 911 via landline or mobile.

(Liza Agoot/PNA)