MGB: 57 Cebu barangays prone to landslide

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Central Visayas has identified at least 19 barangays in Cebu City that are prone to landslides.

MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo said they have conducted a rapid geohazard assessment on 2,773 barangays in the region.

Alburo said that their assessment reveals that there are six municipalities and three cities in Cebu that are considered to be most hazardous areas. These include the cities of Cebu, Toledo and Talisay and the municipalities of Balamban, Catmon, Pinamungajan, Dumanjug, Asturias and Ronda.

The 19 barangays identified to be landslide prone areas in Cebu City include; 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.

In Toledo City, Barangays Tungkay, Pangamihan, Bagacay, Loay and Don Andres Soriano.

Barangay Camp 6 is the only barangay in Talisay City identified to be susceptible to landslide.

In Catmon, there are 12 barangays identified; Amancion, Anapog, Bactas, Bongyas, Ambangkaya, Cabungaan, Can-ibuang, Duyan, Ginabucan, Panalipan, Tabili and Tinabyonan.

There are also 11 barangays in Balamban; Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Luca, Ginatilan, Cabasiangan, Matun-og, Cansomoroy, Gaas, Magsaysay, Cabagdalan, and Duangan.

Five in Asturias, Agbanga, Baye, Bairan, Kanluangan and Sak-sak. In Pinamungajan Barangay Lamac was identified, while Barangays Purok 3 and Doldol in Dumanjug. Barangay Cansalonoy is the only one identified in Ronda.

Geohazard mapping is aimed at identifying not only various geologic features and hazards associated to geologic features, ground subsidence and other ground instabilities but also in determining possible relocation sites for residents living in areas prone to natural dangers.

“The geohazard maps and reports which contain information on the vulnerability of certain areas to various types of geologic and natural hazards will be provided to the concerned LGUs”, Alburo said.

The rating parameter in assessing an area has three categories, namely: high, moderate, and low.

A rating of “high” is given when there is a presence of active and/or recent landslides, presence of numerous and large tension cracks that would directly affect the community, areas with drainages that are prone to landslides damming, and steep slopes. A “moderate” rating is given in areas with inactive and old landslides, presence of small tension cracks and is located away from the community, and moderate slopes, and a “low” rating in areas with low to gently sloping and absence of tension cracks.

“Geohazard maps are meant to provide the necessary information so that the residents of that certain barangay will be prepared especially when wet season comes as it may result to heavy downpour” he said.   (FREEMAN NEWS)