The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Ilocos Region (MGB-1) has issued a stark warning, identifying 638 villages across four provinces as highly vulnerable to landslides and flooding. This alert comes in anticipation of the potential impact of Typhoon Ofel, also known internationally as Usagi. The advisory, released on November 13, 2024, underscores the urgency for preparedness in the region.
La Union tops the list with 327 villages at risk, followed by Ilocos Norte with 183, Pangasinan with 81, and Ilocos Sur with 47. Specific towns in La Union include Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, Bagulin, Balaoan, San Gabriel, Bangar, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Tubao, and the City of San Fernando. In Ilocos Norte, affected areas span Adams, Nueva Era, Bacarra, Pagudpud, Bangui, Pasuquin, Burgos, Piddig, Carasi, San Nicolas, Dingras, Sarrat, Dumalneg, Solsona, Laoag City, and Vintar. Pangasinan’s at-risk municipalities are Pozorrubio, San Fabian, San Jacinto, San Manuel, San Nicolas, and Sison, while Ilocos Sur’s vulnerable areas include Alilem, Cervantes, Gregorio del Pilar, Quirino, San Emilio, Sigay, Sugpon, and Suyo.
The MGB-1 advisory also forecasts varying levels of rainfall across the region due to Typhoon Ofel. Ilocos Norte is expected to see heavy to intense rainfall ranging from 100-200 millimeters, while Ilocos Sur anticipates moderate to heavy rainfall of 50-100 millimeters from November 14 to November 15. These conditions could trigger flash floods or landslides, particularly in areas already identified as highly susceptible.
The bureau urges local authorities and communities to stay vigilant and prepare for potential landslides, floods, or debris flows. Pre-emptive evacuations are recommended, and continuous monitoring is advised, as rain-induced landslides can occur days after heavy rainfall.
As of the latest update, Typhoon Ofel’s center was approximately 425 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, moving west northwestward over the Philippine Sea. It is expected to make landfall along the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela by Thursday afternoon. Consequently, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte, while Signal No. 1 is in effect for Batanes, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, parts of Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and northern Aurora.