1, 700 barangays in WV prone to landslides–MGB
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau 6 (MGB 6) is currently monitoring more than 1,700 barangays in Western Visayas that are prone to landslides.
Leilanie Suerte, MGB 6 senior science research specialist, said of the number, 522 barangays have high susceptibility to landslide.
Also, 522 barangays are considered “moderate”-ly susceptible while 701 barangays are listed under “low.”
Suerte disclosed the region’s landslide prone barangays during the 1st Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) meeting held at the Days Hotel yesterday.
For an area to be considered with high landslide susceptibility rating, it has the following: presence of active faults or recent landslides, presence of numerous and large tension cracks that would directly affect the community, and areas with drainage that area prone to landslide damming and steep slopes.
Meanwhile, moderate susceptibility rating areas have inactive faults, presence of smaller tension cracks located away from the community and moderate slopes.
Those with low susceptibility rating have low and gently sloping areas and no presence of tension cracks.
Danger
Suerte said they have advised residents of particular barangays to leave the place if they think they are in danger after the area assessment.
“They will just be advised again if it is already safe for them to go back to their respective places,” she said.
During the Typhoon Frank two years ago, they advised residents of barangays Anilawan in Igbaras and Igtambu in Tubungan, both in Iloilo, to vacate their residences after several cracks were found at the foot of the mountains near their village.
Also, residents living near the rivers and coastlines of Caub in Cabatuan; Gines in Janiuay; Lantangan in Carles; and San Antonio in Ajuy were advised to look for temporary shelters or relocation sites to prevent them from possible landslides due to heavy flooding.
Suerte said the same advisory was also given to residents of barangays Bagumbayan, Cadolonan, Iguirigon, Sinundolan and Trinidad in San Remegio, Antique, living near the Sibalom River.
In Iloilo, Leon town has 68 barangays considered highly susceptible to landslide followed by Igbaras, 28; San Joaquin, Miag-ao and Tubunga, 23 each; Lambunao, 20; Calinog, 18; Alimodian, 12; Concepcion, Janiuay and Carles, 10 each;
San Dionisio, nine; Batad, six; Sara, five; Lemery and San Enrique, four each; Maasin, three; Anilao, two; and Barotac Nuevo, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Bingawan and Badiangan, one each.
Suerte said areas under their list are being closely monitored during rainy days.*
