Hazard-prone LGUs should provide relocation sites
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has advised hazard prone areas in the region to make provisions for relocation sites in their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).
MGB 6 chief Leo Van Juguan said part of their advisory to the local government units upon completion of hazard mapping in their localities, is the inclusion of provisions for identification of proper relocation sites for those residing in highly susceptible landslide and flood prone areas.
Juguan said the LGUs identify the relocation sites but the MGB assess the areas for its safety, and when possible and feasible, near the area where people can go back and continue to cultivate.
He said that their advisory sheet based on the results of the hazard mapping shows where the direction of the areas’ susceptibility is, and when very high, should not be inhabited anymore.
He said relocation sites becomes very necessary in the event that much losses have been incurred because of lack of relocation sites for people in danger, in addition to their refusal to evacuate.
Civil Defense Chief Rosario Cabrera, on the other hand, said that LGUs must also seriously consider the putting up of relocation venues that can serve multiple functions other than during disasters.
Likewise, she said, that the necessity of relocation venues become necessary so that other community activities, especially the schooling of children, will not be disrupted because the classrooms are occupied by evacuees.
Juguan also said that having the provision of relocation sites in the CLUP can help LGUs become better prepared to address problems in case of calamities and make the residents easily decide to relocate.
“Evacuees also need comfortable, safe and clean relocation sites,” Juguan said. (PIA6/ESS)
