DENR-MGB identifies landslide-prone areas in Western Visayas

The Department of Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) reported several landslide-prone areas in Western Visayas following the landslide incident in Tubungan, Iloilo caused by heavy rainfall.

According to a report, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Jose Roberto Nuñez revealed that out of 4,617 villages in Antique, 467 villages were reported to be landslide-prone areas. It included some villages situated in the towns of San Remegio, Anini-y, Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Culasi, Hamtic, Lau-an, Libertad, Patnongon, San Jose, Sebaste, Sibalom, Tiblao, Tobias, Fornier, and Valderrama.

Meanwhile, Iloilo has 72 landslide-prone areas located in the towns of Miag-ao and San Joaquin.

Sixteen villages in Negros Occidental, particularly in Cauayan and Hinoba-an towns and Sipalay City, were deemed to be landslide-prone. Four villages in Buruanga town, Aklan were also identified as the same.

Nuñez guaranteed that the OCD is closely monitoring the identified areas.

“We are ready 24/7. They [municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils] release situation reports from time to time,” Nuñez was quoted as saying in the report.

Nuñez said the OCD Region VI do not necessarily advise the residents to evacuate because there are no evacuation centers. However, he said that the officials as well as the residents must remain alert especially during rainy days.

“I told them that when the rain is hard, they automatically evacuate the residents in the negative areas,” Nuñez explained.