Floods and landslides: what to do before, during and after
Get the go bag and anything that matters above the water line, kill the power before you leave, and do not walk or drive into floodwater.
Written for the Philippines. In an emergency here, the number is 911.
The same days of rain produce both of these, which is why they sit on one page. Flooding is what happens on flat ground and landslides are what happens on the slope above it, and a household near a creek at the foot of a hill is exposed to both at once.
Before
While the rain is still only rain.
- Stay indoors and keep listening to weather updates.
- Prepare the go bag with food, water, medication and a first aid kit.
- Agree an evacuation plan and name the safe places the family can go.
- Move anything that matters to a high place in the house.
- If you are leaving, turn off the electricity, the water and the LPG tank.
- Move pets somewhere safe.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Flood (last updated 21 August 2026). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
During
Once the water is up.
- Stay indoors and keep the news on.
- Follow the local evacuation instructions.
- Do not touch electrical equipment while you are wet or standing in floodwater.
- Do not walk or drive through flooded areas.
- Do not swim or take a boat out on a river that is running high.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Flood (last updated 21 August 2026). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
After
Floodwater leaves contamination and live circuits behind it.
- If you evacuated, stay away until the authorities say it is safe.
- Leave the main switch off, and the appliances alone, until an electrician has looked at them.
- Clean anything the floodwater touched.
- Check that food and drinking water were not contaminated.
- Tip out the water collected in cans, pots and tyres, so mosquitoes cannot breed in it.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Flood (last updated 21 August 2026). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
Landslides: before
Know whether you are in a landslide-prone area and learn the early signs. Follow the weather warnings. Have the go bag ready. Know where the evacuation site is and the fastest safe way to reach it. When local officials tell you to move, move.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Landslide (last updated 24 November 2025). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
Landslides: during
Inside a building with no way out, stay in and get under a sturdy table. Outside, keep away from the affected ground and get to a safer place. If it cannot be avoided, protect your head. Driving, do not cross bridges or damaged roads.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Landslide (last updated 24 November 2025). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
Landslides: after
Leave the evacuation area only when the authorities say so, and keep away from the affected ground. Watch for flash floods, because a slide can dam a creek. Check for missing people and report them. Take the injured to the nearest hospital. Check the house for damage and report fallen trees and electricity posts.
Source: Quezon City DRRMO, What to Do In Case of Landslide (last updated 24 November 2025). Read 20 September 2026. A city-government guide. The household steps apply anywhere in the country; the 122 helpline is Quezon City’s own, so use 911 or your own LGU number elsewhere.
Pack the bag once
Every section above assumes a bag is already packed. There is one list on this site and it covers all four hazards, with UNICEF Philippines named as its source.
The other hazards on this site
- Typhoons: what to do before, during and after
Watch the wind signal PAGASA has raised over your province, get the go bag and the documents above the water line, and go when your barangay says go.
- Earthquakes: what to do before, during and after
Duck, cover and hold on. Stay inside if the building is sound, get to open ground if you are outside, and get to high ground if you are near the shore.