THURSDAY last week, Sept. 28, a serene day in Barangay Lico, Alimodian, Iloilo turned distressful when a massive landslide razed six houses to the ground. Fortunately, due to the immediate response of local authorities, no injuries were reported. But 36 individuals, six families who called those houses their homes, were displaced overnight.
It is commendable that the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office acted promptly, ensuring those affected had a roof over their heads, either at the barangay hall or with relatives. Their swift action is a testament to the importance of having responsive disaster management systems in place.
However, there are broader issues at play that need attention. Barangay Lico is classified under the “red” category, signaling its high susceptibility to soil erosion. Given this, one has to ponder — was this disaster inevitable? While landslides, like many natural events, are difficult to predict with absolute certainty, knowing an area’s vulnerability should ideally position us a step ahead in terms of preparedness and response.
This recent calamity serves as a stark reminder for local and national stakeholders of the importance of comprehensive land assessment and planning. With the increasing unpredictability of our climate, coupled with the fact that Barangay Lico isn’t the only area with such vulnerabilities, it becomes paramount to prioritize preventive measures over reactive ones. This means more robust community planning, better construction regulations in high-risk zones, and continuous monitoring of soil and weather conditions.
Further, community awareness plays a critical role. Residents must be educated about the risks associated with living in such areas, along with the measures they can take to safeguard their families. This might range from evacuation plans to the early warning systems that could potentially save lives.
And while the area is temporarily closed to motorists, ensuring long-term safety for residents and travelers alike should be the focus. Temporary measures are essential for immediate safety, but what Barangay Lico and similar regions truly need is a long-term plan that ensures such disasters are prevented, or at the very least, mitigated.
The landslide in Barangay Lico is not just a worrying event; it’s a wake-up call to be more proactive, to combine efforts at every level — from individual households to government agencies — to ensure that the safety and well-being of every resident is paramount. It’s a call that we, as a community, nation, and global citizenry, should heed with utmost urgency.
