Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – Residents in mountain barangays
must be vigilant against landslide with the onset of the rainy season and the
threat of a La Niña that could bring heavy downpour of rains.
Engr. Al Emil Berador, chief geologist of the Mines and Geosciences
Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in
Central Visayas warned of severe landslides and flooding that could result due
to the La Niña phenomenon.
Berador said families living in disaster-risk areas like those
prone to landslides and flooding must take precautionary measures to ensure the
safety of their loved ones.
There is already an 85 percent chance that La Niña will occur
starting late quarter this year, earlier bared Engr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the
PAGASA-Visayas citing the forecast of international weather forecasting
centers.
According to Tabada, La Niña will start by October until February
of 2017 but its peak will be from October until December.
“We expect way above normal rainfall level by December and that
our Christmas will be extremely rainy,” said Tabada.
Berador likewise claimed that the Philippines is one of the top
five countries vulnerable to hazards and this fact should prompt us to take
action for our safety.
The MGB-7 chief geologist specifically warned residents in all the
mountain barangays of Cebu City saying all city upland barangays are
landslide-prone areas.
Regional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense who
is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council (RDRRMC-7) said disaster preparedness should be family-based and that
every household should immediately recognize the signs of danger and knows what
to do in case of emergency.
“Residents must be mindful of three days continuous rains and if
water in their area turns murky with small stones cascading from the
mountains,” said Luces which could signal an impending landslide.
Luces said they are checking on the updating of contingency plans
of the local government units (LGUs) amid the threat of La Niña.
Berador also said LGUs have been given a copy of the 1:10,000
scale geo-hazard map for their guidance for disaster preparedness measures.
The month of July is annually observed as National Disaster
Consciousness Month as the government’s priority objective is zero fatality in
times of disaster. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)