Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. called for a reassessment of the province’s hazard map prepared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Western Visayas after the severe flooding in northern Iloilo caused by the typhoon “Ursula.”
MGB’s hazard map identified geologic danger zones, and areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides, as reported in a Panay News article.
The hazard map might have already changed, hence the need for the review, Defensor said.
The local government units (LGUs) should also be asked if they know how to use, read, and interpret the maps.
LGUs should consult these maps to ensure the safety of its people from geohazards, as well as reduce disaster risks.
The lack of understanding of these geohazard maps resulted in major disasters in the past. Communities were built on landslide-prone areas and other danger zones due to lack of awareness of the risks.
Earlier, it was reported that at least ten municipalities of Iloilo are considered high-risk to rain-induced landslides and floods.
These towns are Leon, Tubungan, Igbaras, Miagao, San Joaquin, Maasin, Janiuay, Calinog, Lambunao, and Alimodian.
“We have provided the top ten list of high-risk areas for both rain-induced landslide and flood but time and again, we reiterate that if you are not in the list, it doesn’t mean that you have no risk on landslide and flood,” DENR-MGB senior geologist Mae Magarso was quoted in a Philippine News Agency article.
The identified towns were the shortlist of the high-risk areas out of the 43 local government units of the province.
MGB presented to Defensor the said geohazard map which was created in 2018.
