After Usman, LGUs urged to use geohazard maps

MANILA, Philippines — Citing recent tragedies such as landslides that struck Mimaropa, the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas due to Tropical Depression Usman, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reminded local government units (LGUs) to make use of geohazard maps long since available to them.

During the annual DENR New Year’s call for the agency’s top officials held recently at the DENR central office in Quezon City, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu pointed out that under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, local chief executives are tasked to chair local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs) at the provincial, city and municipal levels. It is the council’s responsibility to come up with disaster management and risk reduction plans that will minimize if not totally prevent casualties during calamities, he said.

“The DENR for its part contributes to DRR efforts through the geohazard maps which the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) distributes to all LGUs so they can identify landslide and flood-prone areas,” Cimatu said.

Under the law, LDRRMCs should set the direction, development, implementation and coordination of DRRM programs within their areas.

This includes integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into local development plans and programs, as well as recommending forced or preemptive evacuation of residents if necessary.

“I believe that through these maps, the DENR has done its part in protecting the lives of the Filipino people. We encourage LGUs to work hand in hand with us to protect our people,” Cimatu said.

Meanwhile, DENR Undersecretary for solid waste management Benny Antiporda said local officials should utilize the geohazard maps, which are also available online through the MGB website at mgb.gov.ph.

The MGB has also been conducting information, education and communication campaigns to help LGUs and communities use and understand the maps.

Antiporda noted that disasters are bound to happen, but based on these maps, local officials can put in place disaster risk reduction and management plans or precautionary measures to save lives and avoid damage to property in their areas of jurisdiction.

“These (maps) are even color-coded to indicate areas that are high risk or with high susceptibility to landslides and floods. Thus, having no appropriate information is not an excuse,” Cimatu said.

Cimatu has also issued a memorandum ordering all field officials of the agency to take proactive and timely measures to avoid risks associated with excessive rainfall.

The environment chief issued the directive after heavy rains from Usman triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 120 people in the Bicol region shortly before the New Year.

Two other deadly rainfall-induced landslides happened in Itogon town in Benguet and Naga City in Cebu province in September 2018. A similar incident happened in Natonin, Mountain Province in October.

Cimatu said the increase in the frequency of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall underscores the urgent need to further protect communities from the devastating effects of climate change.

“It is therefore imperative for the DENR and its field offices to be prepared and responsive to the dangers and adverse effects of excessive rainfall,” Cimatu said in the memo.

Antiporda lamented that the recent landslide incident took place in the Bicol region, particularly Albay province, which has been known as a model in disaster risk reduction.

“It’s time for Albay to re-study their preparation and their systems,” Antiporda said. “If climate changes, then better protection should be provided to people.”

The DENR’s Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program is an ongoing priority program being implemented by the MGB. Its main objective is to identify areas in the country which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards. Under this program, the 1:10,000 scale landslide and flood susceptibility assessment of 1,634 cities and municipalities was completed.