MGB-8 calls on LGUs to look into irregularities that aggravate flooding

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 30, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Improper extraction of sand and gravel at the river banks of Catarman River, rampant cutting of trees and improper disposal of waste into the river are the main factors that aggravate flooding in various barangays of the municipality of Catarman, Northern Samar, Chief Geologist James Leones, the head of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 10K survey team, observed.

“LGUs should look into these irregularities and make necessary actions to prevent disasters,” the head of the team that conducted geohazard assessment and geologic mapping in 23 barangays of the municipality, said.

MGB Regional Director Roger A. De Dios urged local government officials to be prepared and the residents to be vigilant. He said PAGASA continuously warns of more heavy rains and even typhoons in the coming days and months.

Director De Dios, in a press statement said that Catarman is not only prone to flash floods and landslides but also to storm surge and tsunami because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

He, therefore, strongly urged the coastal barangays to be more observant and head important public announcements and local radio broadcasts.

It may be recalled that after completing its assessment and geologic mapping of 1:10,000 scale in 23 barangays of Catarman, Northern Samar, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 8, through the geological survey team led by Chief Geologist James S. Leones, identified the 11 landslide-prone barangays classified under high and very high susceptibility.

The team also discovered that almost all of the 23 barangays surveyed are susceptible to the threat of flooding, the team found out. These areas are likely to experience flood heights of 1.5 meters and flood duration of three days.

In the geohazard assessment report, the team proposed various recommendations to the Local Government Units such as constant updates of barangay officials on geohazard situation with municipal authorities and MGB-8 personnel and the creation or reactivation of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.