Rains trigger landslide

CEBU, Philippines —  An access road to Barangay Mantalongon in Dalaguete town, which is dubbed as Cebu’s vegetable basket, was completely impassable for several hours due to landslide following days of incessant rains.

A portion of land in Sitio Maantod, Barangay Ablayan collapsed onto the road yesterday dawn, crippling transportation from the town proper to Mantalongon.

No deaths or injuries were reported.

It reportedly caused inconvenience to many residents and traders.

Ryan Neil Gonzaga, a resident of the town, said he was not able to buy goods from Mantalongon Public Market due to the minor landslide.

Residents of Barangay Ablayan immediately reported the landslide to local authorities.

“Akong mga ig-agaw ang nagpahibalo, nipatong lang tawn sila sa bundot aron makapahibalo,” said Romeo Medequillo.

The local government unit and its road contractor started the clearing operations at 8:30 in the morning. The road was declared passable after roughly 10 hours or at 1 p.m.

Construction of riprap, an anti-landslide structure to protect the residents and motorists in the said area is ongoing.

With the onset of rainy season, soil erosion that triggers landslides is common.

The state weather bureau in its 4 p.m. Saturday advisory, said the intertropical convergence zone is affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

It warned residents of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times, heavy rains. KQD (FREEMAN)