ILOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) –- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) here has reminded the public to be prepared for possible landslides and flooding with the onset of the rainy season and typhoons.

He said that areas which have been classified as highly and moderately susceptible for landslides in the geohazard assessment and mapping should take precautionary measures at the coming of the rainy season. However, he said that typhoons come at any time of the year, so there is a need to be prepared all the times.

MGB-6 completed the rapid geohazards assessment and mapping of Western Visayas in 2010 showing the vulnerability of barangays for landslide and flooding.

Barangays have already been given advisory by the bureau to let them know the classification of their areas in the landslide susceptibility rating. Geohazard assessment results and copies of completed geohazard maps were also given to local government units (LGUs).

Upon the directive of DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, letters were sent to all the city and municipal mayors giving them the list of barangays that are classified as high and moderate in the landslides susceptibility assessment.

Results of the geohazard assessment showed that of the total 4,054 barangays in Western Visayas 564 barangays are classified as highly susceptible, while 550 barangays are moderately susceptible to landslides.

Areas classified as highly susceptible are those with presence of active faults, occurrence of landslides, presence of numerous and large tension cracks that would directly affect the community, presence of areas that are prone to landslide damming and have steep slopes.

Areas with inactive and old landslides, presence of smaller tension cracks and moderate slope are classified as moderately susceptible to landslides.

Of those assessed as highly susceptible barangays, 283 are in Iloilo; 185, Antique; Aklan, 30; Capiz, 30; Negros Occidental, 28; and Guimaras, 8.

In the province of Iloilo, highly susceptible barangays are the municipalities of Leon, Igbaras, San Joaquin, Miagao, Tubungan, Lambunao, Calinog, Alimodian, Concepcion , Janiuay, Carles, San Dionisio, Batad, Sara, Lemery, San Enrique, Maasin, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Bingawan, and Badiangan.