MGB-7 Cautions Residents in Mountain Brygs vs Landslide Amid La Niña Threat

Residents in mountain barangays must be vigilant against landslide with the onset of the rainy season and the threat of a La Niña that could bring heavy downpour of rains.

Engr. Al Emil Berador, chief geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas warned of severe landslides and flooding that could result due to the La Niña phenomenon.

Berador said families living in disaster-risk areas like those prone to landslides and flooding must take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

There is already an 85 percent chance that La Niña will occur starting late quarter this year, earlier bared Engr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the PAGASA-Visayas citing the forecast of international weather forecasting centers.

According to Tabada, La Niña will start by October until February of 2017 but its peak will be from October until December.

“We expect way above normal rainfall level by December and that our Christmas will be extremely rainy,” said Tabada.

Berador likewise claimed that the Philippines is one of the top five countries vulnerable to hazards and this fact should prompt us to take action for our safety.

The MGB-7 chief geologist specifically warned residents in all the mountain barangays of Cebu City saying all city upland barangays are landslide-prone areas.

Regional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) said disaster preparedness should be family-based and that every household should immediately recognize the signs of danger and knows what to do in case of emergency.

“Residents must be mindful of three days continuous rains and if water in their area turns murky with small stones cascading from the mountains,” said Luces which could signal an impending landslide.

Luces said they are checking on the updating of contingency plans of the local government units (LGUs) amid the threat of La Niña.

Berador also said LGUs have been given a copy of the 1:10,000 scale geo-hazard map for their guidance for disaster preparedness measures.

The month of July is annually observed as National Disaster Consciousness Month as the government’s priority objective is zero fatality in times of disaster. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)