Geohazard information drive intensified

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified the information drive to warn the public of geohazards or calamity-prone areas so concerned residents could take precautionary measures.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported that areas susceptible to flooding include Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro and Ilocos Norte.

MGB, an agency attached to the DENR, reported that Benguet, Mt. Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga-Apayao, Southern Leyte, Abra, Marinduque, Cebu, Catanduanes and Ifugao are areas vulnerable to landslides.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje directed field officers to intensify the information campaign among residents in areas identified as geohazards.

Paje urged the public, particularly those living in critical areas, to be extra vigilant to prevent loss of lives and property.

“We have practically covered most parts of the country with our geohazard mapping and assessment program. What we need to do now, given the La Niña episode, is to pursue with more vigor our information campaign, particularly in areas found to be highly prone to geologic hazards like flooding, landslides and liquefaction,” Paje said.

The MGB implements the geohazard mapping project and warns the concerned local government units and communities of the hazard they face.

He said residents in danger-prone areas should be regularly warned to take precautionary measures since the weather bureau had announced the possible recurrence of the La Niña pehenomenon that is characterized by more rains and flooding.

“I also advise everybody to stay away from landslide and flood-prone areas and always monitor news and weather reports, especially if there is a typhoon or any other weather disturbances to avoid being caught unaware. It is always better to be properly informed and prepared for any eventuality that may arise during heavy rains ushered in by the La Niña phenomenon,” Paje said.

Paje directed MGB regional directors to provide the local government units the lists of critical areas that are likely to be seriously affected by natural calamities.

He also appealed to residents in Metro Manila and other urban centers nationwide to refrain from dumping garbage in rivers and esteros that clog waterways that cause floods.