Naga residents told to stay away from mountains

CEBU, Philippines – In view of Wednesday's landslide, residents of barangay Mayana, Naga are advised to steer clear of two mountains whose sides remain suspect due to rains.

"Naa na puy movement sa usa ka bukid, wa naman tay mahimo ana except sa pag-monitor ug i-vacate nalang gyud ang area," Mayor Valdemar Chiong said.

Chiong said damage to property due to Wednesday's landslide was estimated to reach at least P1 million, taking account of 12 houses, a covered court, a portion of a road, and power lines.

He said 12 families will each receive P10,000 in assistance.

"Gipa-vacate na nato ang lugar kay klaro kaayo nga dili stable ang bukid. Karon, wala nay tawo didto," Chiong said.

Danny Gimenez, whose house remained standing without a scratch after the landslide, had moved out of the area before it happened.

Other families have been billeted in the barangay hall since Thursday.

One resident Mary Jane Gimenez said that prior to the landslide, the ceiling of their house started to vibrate, and took this as a signal to move out.

All the 12 houses sit at the foot of the mountain.

Now, only the roofs of the concrete houses are visible. (FREEMAN)