Landslides displace 6 families in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - At least six families have been displaced by the landslides continually affecting Barangay Manipis in Talisay City since Saturday.

Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council head Alvin Santillana said that the Manipis road remains impassable to four-wheeled vehicles as of yesterday because of the continued erosion of soil in the area.

He said there were already five areas affected by the landslides. These include Kilometer 23 and 18, Campo 5, Sitio Languyon and Sitio Telepono.

Barangay Captain Emma Cabiluna said only motorcycles can pass the Manipis road as of yesterday. The affected residents were already provided assistance by the city social welfare services office.

"Naay naguba nga balay, unom ka pamilya pero around duha ra ni ka balay, unya totally damaged gyud ni," Santillana said.

The affected families temporarily take shelter with their relatives.

Santillana said the houses, including power lines, were hit by a fallen mahogany tree. Santillana said he already informed the Cebu Electric Cooperative about the damaged power lines.

Santillana is urging the public to refrain from passing Manipis road because it is very dangerous.

“Hangyo lang ta nga dili gyud usa moagi kay kuyaw man gyud labi na’g gabii kay sige pagtagak-tagak ang yuta,” he added.

Santillana also clarified that the apprehension of the two trucks of QM Builders by the operatives of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has nothing to do with the clearing operation of the landslide area.

"Na-mislead mi sa ilang report nga gidakop daw sila sa PENRO tungod ga-clearing sa landslide but after we went to the area nasuta nato nga didto ni sa ilang widening sa Campo 5, dili ni related sa landslide," Santillana said.

PENRO apprehended the trucks of QM Builders for alleged overloading of debris. The truck was only allowed to carry 10 cubic meters but was caught loaded with 14 cubic meters. —  /FPL (FREEMAN)