MGB-XI urges immediate evacuation, relocation from quake-affected areas

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XI recommended the immediate evacuation and relocation of residents in areas in Davao del Sur that were severely affected by the recent earthquakes.

According to a report, MGB-XI stated that the advisory was on the basis of the ocular inspection conducted earlier this month that recorded instability of the ground and slopes due to the recent quakes.

MGB’s regional office identified Upper Bala, New Opon, Kanapolo and Tagaytay in Magsaysay town, and Kimlawis and San Jose in Kiblawan as areas in need for immediate evacuation. Moreover, occurrences of tension cracks and landslides in Bansalan, Magsaysay, and Kiblawan were also recorded.

It was also documented that the majority of the residential houses were built on the roadside situated along ridges, making them susceptible to landslides.

“There are residents in these critical areas. Definitely, we recommend for immediate evacuation,” MGB-XI Geosciences Division Officer-in-Charge Beverly Mae Brebante was quoted as saying in the report.

Bansalan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) Officer Jesil Jaum stated that they still have to plan the forced evacuation of the remaining affected families in the said areas, and the action for the immediate removal of landslide debris along the creek to prevent damming which may cause more damage if not addressed.

The agency further advised the barangay LGUs and MDRRMO to constantly monitor the existing slope instability that may possibly be aggravated during heavy rainfall and possible aftershocks.