Over 60,000 affected as storms, monsoon hammer Cordillera

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PAGASA records a high 1,607.8 millimeters of rainfall in Baguio, or more than double the normal monthly average, while the Benguet State University station in La Trinidad registers 1,371.8 mm

BENGUET, Philippines – Torrential rain spawned by successive storms and the habagat (southwest monsoon) battered the Cordillera Administrative Region over the past two weeks, causing hundreds of landslides, widespread infrastructure damage, and road closures in Baguio City, Benguet, and other areas in the region.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR said about 62,458 people, or some 17,877 families, have been adversely affected in the region. Relief operations are ongoing, with over 60,000 food packs and nearly 18,000 non-food items prepositioned.

The July rainfall in Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet have been relatively high. The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded 1,607.8 millimeters in Baguio, or more than double the normal monthly average, while the Benguet State University station in La Trinidad registered 1,371.8 mm.

SUBMERGE. Floodwaters submerge greenhouses at La Trinidad’s Strawberry Farm following days of heavy rain. La Trinidad Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office

Such rainfall volumes were considered dangerous for the mountainous Cordillera region, where steep slopes and loose soil increase the risk of landslides. The sustained downpours have overwhelmed drainage systems, saturated the ground, and heightened the likelihood of slope failure.

In nearby Baguio City alone, local officials reported 85 incidents of soil erosion, landslides and rockfall, as well as a sinkhole, damage to utilities, and 80 fallen or leaning trees. One death and one missing person have been confirmed, while two others were injured. Thirteen families remain in evacuation centers.

On Monday, an 11-year-old boy drowned after being swept into a flooded waterway. It was Baguio’s first confirmed fatality related to the successive weather disturbances this month.

On Tuesday, July 29, La Trinidad town in Benguet was declared under a state of calamity, with local officials citing extensive losses caused by tropical cyclones Crising (Wipha), Dante (Francisco), and Emong (Co-may), and the southwest monsoon. Municipal officials reported at least P10.7 million in damage to infrastructure and P17.6 million in agricultural losses.

“This declaration is necessary to allow us to respond quickly and use our resources to help our affected communities,” La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan said. “The damage estimates we have reported are only initial assessments as our teams continue monitoring on the ground. I ask for everyone’s cooperation as this takes effect immediately.”

According to the Benguet Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 131 landslides were recorded across Benguet from July 18 to 28, with Atok town reporting the highest number at 29. 

Of the total, 48 occurred along national highways, 19 on provincial roads, and 64 on local routes. The landslides disrupted access to multiple communities, delayed the transport of goods, and hampered emergency operations.

Clearing work is ongoing, with the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera (DPWH-CAR) reporting that Kennon Road remains closed due to the risk of rockfall. Other main routes to and from Baguio are passable but under close monitoring.

Tragedy struck road crews when two workers from the Benguet Provincial Engineering Office died after their equipment plunged into a ravine in Lower Kesbeng, La Trinidad, on Tuesday.

Authorities identified the victims as Redentor Roldan of Kesbeng and Rex Gayang of Lubas.

Awingan mourned their loss, calling them “two local heroes” who had been tirelessly working to keep roads open amid the storms. The incident, attributed to a reported mechanical failure, is under investigation.

Rescue efforts continue in Sitio Talingguroy, Barangay Wangal, where a 68-year-old farmer has been missing since a landslide struck on July 24. Teams are focusing their search along a creek in Lower Wangal, but unstable soil and changing water levels have hindered progress.

Lieutenant Colonel Zacharias Dausen, chief of police of La Trinidad, said weather conditions continue to affect full-scale operations.

Town Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan urged residents to remain cautious. “Stay safe and vigilant this typhoon season. Let’s make sure we have every essential prepared,” he said.

Authorities warned that further landslides remain possible as soil saturation and unstable slopes persist. – Rappler.com