MGB-7 to Conduct Detailed Geohazard Mapping

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) is set to conduct this year a detailed geohazard assessment and mapping for 17 towns comprising of 332 barangays in Central Visayas.

The scale of 1:10,000 geohazard assessment and mapping program is expected to be completed this year with an the allocated budget of P4.318 million.

The 1:10,000-scale intends to indicate more details of the area covered by the map, which may include the specific physical characteristics or environment of each sitio or “purok” in a barangay.

In a press release, MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo said the initiative is a priority program under Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III’s administration to ensure that lives and property are protected against the possibility of landslides and flooding, given the adverse and extreme weather conditions.

MGB-7 then released the areas set for assessment and mapping comprising 166 barangays and nine towns in Cebu, including: Badian, 29; Alegria, 9; Malabuyoc and Ginatilan with 14 each; Borbob, 19; Tabogon, 25; Daanbantayan, 20; Samboan, 15; and Oslob with 15.

This also includes the 166 barangays in Bohol covering Batuan with 15; Dimiao, 35; Loay, 24; Mabini, 22; Candijay, 21; Lila, 18; Anda, 16; and Alicia with 15.

Alburo added that “the 332 are prioritized based on the results of the 1:50,000-scale which indicates a number of barangays which are either critical or very high vulnerability to geological hazards such as flooding and landslides.”

In line with this, he said that a team of assessment geologists will then re-issue appropriate warnings and geohazards advisories to the Office of the Mayor and barangay officials for record and file.

He also clarified that assessment results will be important for the local chief executives to implement mitigating measures based on the findings and observations or readiness when disaster hits.

He added that geohazard maps serve as an important tool in disaster risk reduction and management.

Image Credit: mgb7.cvis.net.ph