Landslide-prone areas: Warning signs up in Baragay Buhisan

CEBU, Philippines — Warning signs have been installed in at least two areas in Sitio Sandayong, Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City following reports of tension cracks due to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in 2013.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) identified the two areas as landslide-prone. CCDRRMO head Nagiel Bañacia said an ocular inspection was conducted by them in response to concerns from the residents.

Bañacia, however, refused to reveal the result of their assessment pending the revalidation by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7.

“Dili sa ta mohatag og report kay unsa ilahang recommendation atong i-follow kay kung kami mohatag og report mo ana palang sila nga pataka man lang mo,” Bañacia said.

But he said his office has already coordinated with the barangay officials for the relocation of over 300 affected individuals.

The committee on disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation of the City Council headed by Councilor David Tumulak earlier recommended relocating the residents in the area. Tumulak asked the CCDRRMO to look for relocation site to shelter the affected residents.

Bañacia assured that his office has enough funds to cover for the relocation expenses. He said that they are just waiting for the recommendation of MGB-7 so that proper representation will be made before the City Council for the needed budget.

 “Ask pa approval sa council mao nga gikinahanglan namo kuhaon ang data from MGB then ihubad sa layman’s term aron masabtan, then i-present sa council and sa mayor,” Bañacia explained.

The hazard assessment in Sitio Sandayong, Barangay Buhisan was upon the request of Barangay Captain Gremar Barete.

 Barete said MGB-7 has already issued landslide treat advisory warning the residents of possible landslide. They are, however, waiting for a specific advisory from MGB-7 which area in Sitio Sandayong is no longer safe.

 “Ang ilahang gihatag is landslide treat advisory. Mao ni initial nga precautionary nga initial action nila sa barangay Buhisan nga kinahanglan gyud magbantay ang mga lumulupyo sa Sitio Sandayong,” Barete said.

He said there are two sitios identified as possible relocation sites. These are Sitio Dulhugan and Sitio Tubod. Barete said CCDRRMO will check the areas whether or not it is safe to construct residential houses.

“I-submit to sa city disaster kay mao man sulti ni sir Nagiel nga i-prepare ang relocation site, ilahang i-reassess ang relocation site if safe ba gyud,” he said. —  FPL (FREEMAN)