Sinsin folk return to homes; brgy identifies relocation site

Some residents of sitio Nangka, barangay Sinsin who were evacuated by the city disaster council last month because of the threat of a landslide have already returned to their homes.

Sinsin barangay captain Ramon Ylaya, Jr., said yesterday that they have allowed the residents to go back to their homes, but only during days when there are no rains.

He said that sitio Nangka, which was earlier identified by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau and the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council as a “danger zone” is still under threat of landslide especially when there are rains.

“Kadtong medyo layo sa pil-as ang balay, amo na lang gitugotan makabalik. Pero amo silang gi-warningan nga kung mag-ulan hawa gyod sila dayon sa lugar ug mobalik sa sports complex,” Ylaya said.

The MGB said earlier that the soil in the area is soft and there are many visible cracks that pose imminent danger to residents, the reason why they suggested for the evacuation of the families living there.

On May 14, the CCDCC implemented forced evacuation of 20 families identified by the MGB as living within the danger zone to ensure their safety following the May 2 landslide that affected sitio Nangka. 

About two kilometers from the site, the barangay has identified three possible relocation sites at sitio Udlom Lower for the affected families.

Ylaya said that they have already informed the city about the lots, which are owned by the Pimentel, Sansio and Abella families, for evaluation if they are safe and for the city to negotiate with the owners.

“Kaning mga yuta-a layo na sa danger zone ug tan-aw namo dili man kuyaw sa landslide,” he added.

The barangay chief said that while the negotiation with lot owners is going on, the affected families will stay at the Sudlon II barangay sports complex for their safety.

He said that the barangay and the city have continued providing assistance to the residents for their basic needs especially food while they are at the evacuation center.  — Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV