The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has warned anew the possibility of landslides and flooding as a result of the coming typhoon which brings more rains, particularly those Oct. 15 quake-hit areas in Bohol, according to MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.
This, as MGB 7 identified nearly portions of 80 barangays within Cebu province; and one city and 13 towns to be highly vulnerable to episodes of ground failure or subsidence and flood due to the presence of numerous tension cracks in Bohol.
Alburo made the call in wake of reports by the weather bureau that heavier rains are still expected with the coming of the “super” typhoon that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this Friday.
In Cebu City , 19 barangays are highly susceptible landslides, namely, 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.
Barangays Tagjaguimit, Alpaco, Balirong, Mayana, Naalad, and Cogon in City of Naga. ; 11 barangays in Balamban: Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Luca, Ginatilan, Cabasiangan, Matun-og, Cansomoroy, Gaas, Magsaysay, Cabagdalan, and Duangan.
Five barangays in Toledo City : Tungkay, Pangamihan, Bagacay, Loay and Don Andres Soriano; Lamac in Pinamungahan; Five barangays in Asturias :Agbanga, Baye, Bairan, Kanluangan and Sak-sak.
In Catmon, Cebu , 12 barangays were mapped: Amancion, Anapog, Bactas, Bongyas, ambangkaya, Cabungaan, Can-ibuang, Duyan, Ginabucan, Panalipan, Tabili and Tinabyonan). all mountain barangays in Talisay City ; Brgy. Doldol, Purok 3 in Dumanjug; and Cansalonoy in Ronda.
“It is very important that mayors and barangay captains should pay attention of critical areas that are found to be highly vulnerable to flooding and landslides which have been known to them an indicated in the geohazards threat advisory issued to them,” DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said.
In Bohol, those portions of those areas which have been affected by the quake are advised to take the necessary precautions and to implement proactive evacuation are Tagbilaran City, Baclayon, Corella, Cortes, Alburquerque, Panglao, Dauis, Loon, Calape, Catigbian, Balilihan, Batuan, Sagbayan, and Carmen.
The MGB 7 issued two advisories last Aug. 23 and Oct. 15 strongly urging the local officials to heed the recommendations and implement appropriate measures to keep the communities safe. The same were stamped received by the office of the Mayor and copy furnished to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7 and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 7.
Areas which have been declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides by the MGB should be carefully monitored by the local government officials.
Montejo strongly recommended to local chief executives to prohibit habitation in areas declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides by the MGB of the DENR to protect people’s lives.
Alburo said the assessment reveals that there are five barangays in Cebu City that are considered to be most hazardous to flooding and these are Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, Labangon, Mabolo, and Bonbon; and seven barangays in Mandaue City to include Subangdaku, Mantuyong, Umapad, Opao, Alang-alang, Guizo, and Pakna-an.