Region 1 Maintains Red Alert Over Monsoon Rain Hazards

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Ilocos Region (RDRRMC-1) has maintained its Red Alert status to ensure uninterrupted emergency operations as the enhanced southwest monsoon brings severe rainfall, flooding, and landslide risks across the region, the PIA said.

Under RDRRMC-1 Memorandum Nos. 93 and 94, Series of 2026, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) entered Red Alert status effective 4 p.m. on Aug. 5. The 24/7 activation enables continuous monitoring, fast information sharing, and rapid deployment of response personnel and relief supplies.

Although Tropical Cyclone Maymay is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility, officials warned that it continues to enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat). The resulting rainfall poses severe risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous, low-lying, and coastal areas across La Union and nearby Ilocos provinces.

During an Aug. 6 press conference, Assistant Secretary Laurence E. Mina, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations and Acting Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Ilocos, emphasized that hazards persist even if the storm leaves.

“The effects of habagat may even become more severe after Tropical Cyclone Maymay passes. This is why we have to continue monitoring the situation closely,” Mina said. He added that prolonged rainfall saturate watersheds, thereby increasing runoff which eventually cause floods.

Mina urged local government units and residents to observe critical safety measures:

• Monitor official weather updates from PAGASA and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
• Prepare emergency supplies for household use.
• Obey evacuation orders and safety advisories immediately.

The OCD confirmed that disaster response teams remain on standby as RDRRMC-1 conducts continuous weather monitoring and maintains close coordination with local authorities across Region 1.

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SOURCE: PIA