Residents and BARMM rescue workers assess the damage caused by flooding and landslides in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, on July 10, 2024, with debris and uprooted trees surrounding the affected homes. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the incoming La Niña have brought continuous heavy rains, causing flooding and landslides in four provinces of the Bangsamoro region, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).
MILG Chief Emergency Operation Officer Jofel Delicana emphasized the impact of week-long heavy rains, which caused flash floods and landslides in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, including the Special Geographic Areas (SGA) and the cities of Lamitan and Cotabato, as of July 18, 2024.
In addition, 43 municipalities and a total of 441 barangays were also affected across the region.
“Using our scientific data, La Niña can also be monitored,” Delicana said. “According to the PAGASA ENSO alert system, our climate model shows a 70 percent chance of La Niña forming in August to September, which means above-average rainfall.”
“If we have a weather system that is already causing flooding, and La Niña comes in, we expect even higher rainfall. This will worsen the flooding and associated hazards like landslides,” he added.
Delicana further stated that La Niña is forecasted to be stronger this year, and the prolonged rains will result in above-average water levels. Due to the effects of climate change, during La Niña, water levels rise quickly, causing flooding and flash floods.
Currently, BARMM continues to provide relief assistance to severely affected communities through the coordination of disaster response clusters and the emergency operation center.
The Ministry ensures that relief goods, both food and non-food items, are directed to the right beneficiaries or communities.
In anticipation of weather systems that will continue to bring heavy rains, causing flooding and landslides, the BARMM government urges local government units (LGUs) to use established mechanisms such as pre-disaster risk assessments to identify the proper protocols. The LISTO programs of DILG and MILG will guide LGUs and communities.
The message to the community is to prepare, comply with LGU directives, and have a Go Bag ready. This should include important documents, clothes, easy-to-open food, clean drinking water, hygiene kits, and medicines for at least three days. (Majid Nur/BIO)
