Catanduanes Most Vulnerable to Landslide and Flood, Warns MGB

Legazpi City (4 Oct) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) declared Catanduanes as the most susceptible area to landslide and flooding in Bikol.

Dr. Arlene Dayao, Chief Geosciences Division of MGB said in a radio interview that the majority of island province's area is landslide and flood-prone. Dayao emphasized that this is due to the "natural ground formation of the province" and to the altered land use system in the area such as kaingin, deforestation among others.

"Presently the DENR-MGB is in close coordination with municipal disaster management councils and local governments to heighten the public awareness on the geohazard risks that affected areas would be facing," Dayao said.

She cautioned the locales on possible incidents of landslide and flooding in identified areas stressing that when signs of apparent disaster loom they should automatically evacuate.

Meanwhile, MGB Regional Director Reynulfo Juan pinpointed at least 49 municipalities in the region at risk to landslide and flooding.

Among the critical areas in Albay includes Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi and Ligao; in Camarines Norte, Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente and Sta. Elena; in Camarines Sur, Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena,Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot and Tinambac; in Catanduanes, Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban and San Andres; in Masbate, Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros and Mobo; in Sorsogon; Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena and Sorsogon City.