Severe Tropical Storm Kristine brought heavy rainfall to Batangas, resulting in widespread flooding, numerous landslides, and lahar flows, particularly in the western part of the province near Taal Lake, on October 24, 2024. In response, the UP Resilience Institute (UP RI) conducted post-disaster hazard assessments from November 6 to 15, aimed at evaluating the impacts and extent of these hazards.
Led by UP RI Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, the research team carried out geologic fieldwork across affected municipalities, including Agoncillo, Talisay, and Laurel, in the Taal Caldera area.
Before the fieldwork, the team utilized satellite imagery from Planet to identify landslides and flood-affected areas. During the field assessment, they conducted drone surveys, mapped landslide scars and deposits, and studied displaced materials. The team also collected rock and soil samples to analyze the composition and causes of the disasters.
The fieldworks included validating existing NOAH hazard maps and gathering disaster details through interviews in affected municipalities. Data from these activities are being analyzed to pinpoint the primary causes of landslides and lahar flows.
Preliminary findings, including drone survey results and field validations, were presented at the Agoncillo Municipal Hall. Recommendations for policymaking and rehabilitation efforts were also shared to guide recovery initiatives in disaster-affected areas.
UP RI aims to identify the contributing factors behind the landslides and lahar events in the Taal area, predict future hazards, and develop effective mitigation strategies to reduce risks for local communities.