MGB reiterates landslide warning

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 has reiterated its warning that portions of Barangays Busay, Binaliw, and Pulangbato in Cebu City are highly susceptible to landslides after heavy rains was experienced recently and landslides have been reported in these areas.

MGB-7 director Loreto B. Alburo said that the ratings of high landslides susceptibility were obtained after a rain-induced rapid field assessment of landslide and flood prone barangays were conducted by its team of geologists composed of Maria Elena S. Lupo, Josephine T. Aleta, and Abraham R. Lucero, Jr. in August 2007 and July 2008. 

The assessment focused on barangays that are situated on foot slopes, mid slopes and mountain ridges.

Out of the 80 barangays of Cebu City that were covered by the assessment, 19 have high susceptibility to landslides including Busay, Binaliw and Pulangbato, 13 are moderately susceptible and eight have low landslide susceptibility.

Alburo said they have property informed the barangay captains and the mayor’s office of their findings and recommendations.

Alburo, in a statement sent to The Freeman, urged local officials and communities to familiarize themselves with the results and recommendations of the assessment team and pay attention to areas that are found to be highly susceptible to flooding and landslides.

Information gathered by the MGB-7 during its geological assessment revealed that these barangays have signs of mass movement due to the presence of old, inactive and localized landslides. 

The team also noted the type of rock which is mostly volcanics characterized as highly or completely weathered, fractured and altered materials. This can easily absorb water and gets saturated resulting to ground failure or landslides.

Alburo said that it is highly important that local chief executives revisit critical areas that are found to be highly vulnerable to flooding and landslides which have been known to them as indicated in the geohazards threat advisory issued to them.

In 2007, the team recommended a close monitoring of mass movement, develop an early warning device or system, identify evacuation site, and observe for rapid increase and decrease in creek and river water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity.

MGB likewise recommended a continuous monitoring for saturated ground or seeps in areas that are not normally wet, and monitor sunken or displaced road surfaces. —(FREEMAN)