Aside from Naga City, there are other areas that are reportedly prone to landslides across Cebu province. This was disclosed by Robinson Jorgio, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) station in Lapu-Lapu City.
Because the mainland area of the province is underlain with limestone, Jorgio said there is really a potential hazard. Sinkholes and caves are common in limestone, which is easily dissolved in water, creating a hollow space.
The PHIVOLVCS official explained that these landslide-prone areas – which are mostly mountain barangays – have been marked red, saying most of them are located in central and southern part of the province.
Although PHIVOLCS did not name these areas, its statement should be enough for local officials and the residents to be alarmed and take measures that would lessen the impact in the event of a landslide.
What is really important is awareness. To be aware of, for example, an impending disaster will help make the masses continue to quest for information about how to be always alert and be ready for it.
However, action should follow once the masses are aware of the situation. Without action, awareness is nothing but just a hanging basket of understanding. That is what happened on that fateful day in the city of Naga last September 20.
Well, we all know that the Naga landslide killed many people because of the lack of action on the part of the authorities and the affected residents themselves despite the fact that they have been long aware of the impending calamity owing to the cracks on the soil.
Good thing the Naga incident created a serious awareness among the LGUs across the province. In fact, at least 10 LGUs have asked the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to reassess their preparedness plans.
We do hope that local officials and the residents are prepared to act on whatever recommendations from the PDRRMO following its assessment. And whatever such action, it should be made with a sense of urgency.