MGB to LGUs: Use geo-hazard maps

CEBU, Philippines - If only LGUs will use their geohazard maps, then perhaps tragedies can be minimized, if not eliminated.

This, in essence, was the statement made by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) – 7 Director Loreto B. Alburo in reminding leaders of local government units (LGUs) to make interventions based from the geohazard maps.

He also emphasized the need to develop an early warning system to be institutionalized in each barangay so that communities would be able to respond very effectively when disasters happen.

“Our regular reminder or advisory to the local chief executives to use the geohazards maps and the findings including recommendations in determining the appropriate interventions or measures they will take,” Alburo said.

In Naga City, Cebu for example where a landslide buried a couple last week, 26 sitios in 17 barangays are categorized or rated as high to very high in terms of susceptibility to landslides and flooding.

That is contained in a geohazard assessment made by a team of senior geologists last August 25, 2011.

The MGB 7 regional director in a statement said that their assessment on these barangays affirmed their previous appraisal in 2009 on a scale of 1:50,000, although they now have the information on the sitios that may be most likely affected.

The difference between the two scales, he said, is that the 1:10,000 gives the detailed or specific data per sitio. The other scale provides the information per barangay.

The assessment was made in line with the government’s efforts to mitigate the destructive effects and impact of natural hazards to the populace.

Of the 28 barangays in Naga City, 17 barangays or 61 percent are critically or highly landslide and flood-prone.

The results of the investigation also showed that out of 18 sitios which were classified as high risks for landslides, eight and ten sitios were rated as very critical and critical or high, respectively.

The eight sitios and barangays with “very high” landslide susceptibility rating are Sien, Balirong; Balico, Pangpang, and Tayad-tayad, all in Cantao-an; Badiang, Mainit; Buli, Mayana; Caporing, Patag; and Uling 3, Uling.

Moreover, the ten sitios and barangays with a rating of high to landslides are: Proper Sagrada, Alpaco; Bairan; Naga-Toledo road, Balirong; Township, and Proper, Cantao-an; Ka Lopez to Proper, Cogon; Jaguimit, Spillway, Lanas; Naalad; Tagjaguimit; Tagaytay, Tinaan; Caimito, Kakahoyan 3, and Tambis, all in Uling.

As to flooding, it revealed eight sitios with high susceptibility rating and these are Cueva, Alpaco; Purok 5 and Purok 7, Bairan; Barangay Proper, Inayagan; Langtad; Proper Lutac and Upper Lutac in Lutac; Upper Mainit in Mainit; and Tapon in Tinaan. — (FREEMAN)