‘GEOHAZARDS’

Always consult MGB maps, local gov’ts told

CLEAN AND GREEN? The Iloilo River looks impressive from a distance. But latest laboratory test results of the Environmental Management Bureau show Iloilo River’s coliform level to be way above the standard. Coliform bacteria are microorganisms that usually occur in the intestinal tracts of animals. They are the most widely accepted indicators of water quality. A high coliform count suggests sewage pollution.

ILOILO City – A “geohazard” map identifies areas susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards such as floods and landslides. Local government units (LGUs) must consult these maps when plotting steps to protect their people from geohazards, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

MGB Region 6 has produced geohazard maps identifying rain-induced landslide- and flood-prone areas.

These were distributed to LGUs in Western Visayas “so they would know kon diin anghigh-risk areas,” said MGB-6 chief geologist Mae Magarzo.

The bureau identified the “top 10” landslide high-risk areas per Western Visayas province. These were:

* Aklan – Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Ibajay, Tangalan, Nabas, Malay, Buruanga, Balete, and Makato

* Antique – Valderrama, Laua-an, Barbaza, San Remigio, Patnongon, Bugasong, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, and Pandan

* Capiz – Tapaz, Jamindan, Maayon, President Roxas, Pilar, Dumarao, Ivisan, Roxas City, Dumalag, and Pontevedra

* Iloilo – Leon, Tubungan, Igbaras, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, Maasin, Janiuay, Calinog, Lambunao, and Alimodian

* Guimaras – Jordan, San Lorenzo, Buenavista, Sibunag, and Nueva Valencia

* Negros Occidental – Cadiz City, Talisay City, Silay City, Murcia, Escalante City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, and La Carlota City.

On the other hand, municipalities and cities more susceptible to flooding were the following:

* Aklan – Kalibo, Numancia, New Washington, Malinao, Banga, Lezo, Madalag, Libacao, Altavas, and Balete

* Antique – Barbaza, Sibalom, San Remigio, Valderrama, Patnongon, Laua-an, Bugasong, San Jose, Tibiao, and Culasi

* Capiz – Dao, Mambusao, Sigma, Sapi-an, Panit-an, Cuartero, Dumalag, Pan-ay, Pontevedra, and Roxas City

* Iloilo – Zarraga, Pavia, Dumangas, Leganes, Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Dingle, San Enrique, Passi City, and Calinog

* Guimaras – Sibunag, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, San Lorenzo, and Jordan

* Negros Occidental – Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, and E.B. Magallona.

Magarzo, however, clarified that landslides and floods could also occur in other areas following heavy rains.

Natural factors contribute to landslides such as steep slopes, weak rock characteristics, loose thick soil, and poor vegetation, said Magarzo.

They are also triggered by rain which saturates and loosens rock and soil, or by ground movement caused by an earthquake, she added.

Just this  July 22, heavy rains triggered a landslide that killed two children and injured their mother in Barangay Binanu-an, Barbaza, Antique.

Following the tragedy, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) of Barbaza ordered a forced evacuation of 87 persons from 19 families living in landslide high-risk areas of Barangay Binanu-an.

The evacuees moved to the barangay’s daycare center and barangay hall.

Barangay Binanu-an was some 1.5 kilometers from the town proper of Barbaza.

SOURCE: Panay News

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