MGB issues flood warning

CEBU, Philippines - With the onset of the rainy season, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 warned the public anew of flooding particularly within the urban areas of Cebu and Mandaue cities.

MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo said the flooding incident that has been happening in some areas in the cities has been attributed to proximity to perennial river creek systems, poor drainage facilities, inherently low-lying areas, proximity to coastal areas, heavily silted rivers or creeks, and encroachment along natural drainage channels.

Alburo said the assessment revealed there are five barangays in Cebu City that are considered to be most hazardous and these are Kasambagan, Kinasang-an, Labangon, Mabolo and Bonbon.

Moderate to high are barangays Agsungot, Bacayan, Basak Pardo, Buot-Taup, Busay, Calamba, Cogon Pardo, Day-as, Duljo Fatima, Hipodromo, Kamputhaw, Lahug, Lorega San Miguel, Pahina San Nicolas, Sambag I, Sambag II, San Jose, Sawang Calero, and Santo Niño.

Five barangays in Mandaue City to include Subangdaku, Mantuyong, Umapad, Opao, Alang-alang, Guizo, and Pakna-an; and moderate to high are Tipolo, Looc, Pagsabungan, Basak, Maguikay, Casuntingan, Banilad.

The MGB-7 also issued some tips on what to do before a flood.

Namely, know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage, plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family, ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood, make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone or cellular phone number of this contact person.

DENR-MGB also recommended to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. (FREEMAN)