GUIMARAS – Forty-one barangays in this island province are susceptible to landslides and flooding, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Western Visayas.
Landslides and flooding that may be triggered by rains brought by the southwesterly windflow enhanced by Typhoon Betty, the MGB-6 explained.
These barangays are:
* Nueva Valencia – Cabalagnan, Calaya, Canhawan, Dolores, Guiwanon, Igang, Igdarapdap, La Paz, Lanipe, Lucmayan, Magamay, Pandaraonan, Poblacion, Salvacion, San Antonio, San Roque, Santo Domingo, and Tando
* Sibunag – Alegria, Ayangan, Concordia Norte, Dasal, Maabay, Millan, Oracon Norte, Ravina, San Isidro, Sebaste, and Tanglad
* Jordan – Alaguisoc, Balcon Maravilla, Bugnay, Buluanggan, Lawi, Morobuan, San Miguel, Santa Teresa, and Sinapsapan
* San Lorenzo – Constancia and Tamborong
Mae Magarzo, chief geologist of MGB-6, said they have issued an advisory to all local government units (LGUs) in the region, especially those LGUs with identified susceptible areas, to take precautionary measures.
MGB-6 also advised those in landslide-prone areas to:
* Determine the landslide situation in your area by coordinating with the local officials for the MGB’s landslide hazard maps, evacuation protocols and early warning systems.
* Observe signs of a possible landslide in the area, such as water leaks, land cracks, and falling trees.
* Avoid constructing infrastructure in high and steep areas and in areas with a history of landslide occurrences.
* Be sure to have an emergency “Go Bag” ready at all times and have emergency and communication plans for the family in case of a possible evacuation.
* If you suspect that your area is a landslide hazard, immediately notify your local officials and the MGB Regional Office.
How to prepare for a possible flood?
* Monitor the flood situation in the area by regularly monitoring the weather conditions and coordinating with local officials for the flood hazard maps of the MGB.
* Make sure you have a “Go Bag” ready with essential items such as first aid kits, ready-to-eat food, drinking water, radio, and important documents.
* Make sure that waterways such as canals, streams and rivers are free from blockages.
* Reach out to family members, relatives and friends from other areas who can be contacted in case you get separated during the flooding or evacuation./PN
