MGB warns against continuing risks

CEBU, Philippines - Residents and local authorities in Cebu are warned against flooding and landslides especially because of the rainy season.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 Director Loreto Alburo yesterday gave information that could help the public avoid being victims of landslides and other disasters.

These include “springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before; new cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks; soil moving away from foundations; ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house; tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations; broken water lines and other underground utilities; and leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.”

Alburo is also urging local officials to get familiar with geohazard maps and execute necessary measures to reduce the impact of landslides and flooding.

Alburo’s call was made in wake of reports by the weather bureau that heavier rains are still expected until September despite the conclusion of La Niña this June. 

“It is important that local officials should pay attention to critical areas that are found to be highly susceptible to flooding and landslides which have been known to them several years back,” Alburo said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso already recommended to local chief executives to prohibit habitation in areas declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides.

There are 19 barangays in Cebu City that are highly susceptible landslides. These are Barangays Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot-Taup, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Tagbao, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin, Buhisan, Pamutan, Sapangdaku, and Adlaon. 

At least six barangays in Naga City are considered such as Barangays Tagjaguimit, Alpaco, Balirong, Mayana, Naalad, and Cogon, while there are 11 in Balamban – Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Luca, Ginatilan, Cabasiangan, Matun-og, Cansomoroy, Gaas, Magsaysay, Cabagdalan, and Duangan.

Also included are five barangays in Toledo City: Tungkay, Pangamihan, Bagacay, Loay and Don Andres Soriano as well as Barangay Lamac in Pinamungajan.

The MGB also included five barangays in Asturias – Agbanga, Baye, Bairan, Kanluangan and Sak-sak. In Catmon, the MGB identified barangays Amancion, Anapog, Bactas, Bongyas, Ambangkaya, Cabungaan, Can-ibuang, Duyan, Ginabucan, Panalipan, Tabili and Tinabyonan.

Alburo said the geohazard maps provide information to guide residents in preparing for the rainy season.

In geohazard mapping, areas that have the potential to experience landslides and those with large tension cracks are rated “high.” ”Moderate” areas are those that have a history of landslides, have small tension cracks and are located away from the community. ”Low” areas are those on gentle slopes and areas with no tension cracks. (FREEMAN)