South Cotabato folk in danger zones told to evacuate

KORONADAL CITY — Disaster officials urged South Cotabato folk living along riverbanks and in landslide-prone areas to temporarily seek shelter on safer grounds for their own safety.

Provincial disaster officials renewed their appeal after receiving reports that several villagers have refused to leave their houses despite the heavy rainfall during the past days.

Haydee Lac-doo, deputy provincial management officer, said areas near riverbanks are hazardous, especially with the continuous rains, which could trigger landslides.

"Please leave the area before it is too late," Lac-doo appealed to local folk.

Thousands of families in Central Mindanao are living in flood- and landslide-prone areas identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to the MGB’s recent geo-hazard survey, 82 barangays in South Cotabato, mostly in the upper valley area, are prone to floods and landslides.

Last week, 29 families were relocated to safer grounds due to the continuing rains.

Alarmed by the heavy rainfall in parts of Central Mindanao, Jim Sampulna, DENR regional director, ordered community environment and natural resources officers in the different towns and cities to put necessary measures in place to prevent tragedies.

"There is no other way to prevent disasters but to implement preventive measures," he said.

Sampulna said he has instructed the regional MGB office under Jose Madrona to closely work with local officials until the weather improves.