Road closure mulled after upland landslide

CEBU, Philippines - In view of two landslides in two Cebu City upland barangays, Councilor Dave Tumulak pushes for the temporary closure of the two-way main road where a one-foot tension crack was noted upon inspection.

Tumulak, who is part of Reduce Danger Zones (ReDZ) as the designated representative of Mayor Michael Rama, expressed concern over motorists using the upland road because of the possibility of another landslide should rains continue.

He further suggested that instead of taking Sitio MACV in Agsungot, motorists will be advised to take the safer route via Sitio Agpasan in Barangay Binaliw while authorities clear the tension cracks from posing danger.

Heavy equipment from the city engineering office including a pay loader and backhoe are helping in the clearing operation assisted by barangay rescue teams.

A Wednesday morning inspection conducted by barangay captain Wilson Bacor from neighboring Binaliw together with Cebu Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office operations officer Alvin Santillana led to the discovery of a 12-inch cracked portion of soil right beside the two-way road blocked by a landslide Tuesday afternoon.

Apart from Agsungot, barangay Binaliw also experienced a landslide earlier that blocked the main road in Sitio Binaliw 3. The area, however, has been cleared of the obstruction.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, through its Mines and Geosciences Bureau, recommended for permanent evacuation of homes in certain sitios at both barangay Binaliw and Agsungot following a geohazard assessment study that categorized the areas as highly susceptible to landslide.

As found out by the study conducted by state geologists, three sitios in barangay Binaliw namely sitio Binaliw 3, Mansawa ang Campo as well as two other sitios in barangay Agsungot including Lower Agsungot and Lintuwang were categorized as most prone to landslide making it inhabitable to avoid fatal sliding soil.

The Division for Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP), through its chief Atty. Collin Rosell assured that a relocation site in barangay Pit-os is available should permanent evacuation for both barangays push through.

Rama, for his part, told reporters that before deciding on permanent evacuation to keep residents from dangerous landslide incidents, he wants to meet with Tumulak, DWUP and DENR to discuss in detail proper steps to undertake and think of long-term solution to the matter.  (FREEMAN)