Albay execs want 12 landslide-prone villages evacuated
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:25:00 02/29/2008
LEGAZPI CITY – Albay disaster officials have recommended the immediate evacuation of residents living in 12 landslide-prone villages in the towns of Camalig, Libon, Daraga, Guinobatan and Oas and in this city after more than a week of nonstop rains.
Listed as top priorities for evacuation are the villages of Ligban, Gotob and Mina in Camalig; Burabod in Libon; Pinaric, Bogtong and Ligñon Hill in Legazpi City; Kimantong in Daraga, Malabnig in Guinobatan, and Del Rosario and Casinagan in Oas.
To date, around 15,000 people have been evacuated across the province. Five casualties have been reported.
A total of 65,759 families have been affected by the floods and landslides.
On Wednesday evening, Gov. Joey Salceda ordered the formation of the Landslide Advance Monitoring Team (LAMT) composed of provincial and regional disaster offices.
The LAMT reported 53 other Albay villages as high-risk areas for landslides. These villages are:
Dapdap, Bariis, Mayong, Sugod, Matalibong, Misibis and Joroan in Tiwi town;
Ogob and Estancia in Malinao;
Sabloyon in Tabaco;
Datag, San Jose, Sta. Teresa and Calbayog in Malilipot;
Mataas, Tambongon and all villages in Cagraray Island in Bacacay;
Salvacion, Alimsog, Buhatan and Kalayukai in Sto. Domingo;
Imalnod, Pinaric, Banadero, Banquerohan, Buraguis, San Francisco and Estanza in Legazpi City;
Inang Maharong, Malobago, Tinapian, Cawayan, Buyo and Balasbas in Manito;
Bogtong and Caracaran in the island town of Rapu-Rapu;
Sipi in Daraga;
Ilawod, Tinago and Tagoytoy in Camalig;
Morera, Batbat and Catomag in Guinobatan;
Cuyaoyao and Binodegahan in Pio Duran;
Tula-Tula, Cullat, Amtic and Tagpo in Ligao City;
Sugcad, Cepres and Itaran in Polangui;
Caguscos, San Vicente, Talin-Talin and Linao in Libon.
“The safe distance from the base of a mountain slope is at least 2 kilometers,” Salceda said in a text message on Wednesday evening.
He also said the Albay Social Welfare and Development Office had been mandated to coordinate with mayors.
Evacuation is still subject to the local government units’ decisions, although further inspections are being conducted in these areas to see if forced evacuation is necessary, said Jukes Nuñez, PDCC operations officer.
He added that officials are also verifying the number of evacuees.
“After five deaths due to landslides and flash floods even without typhoons, we cannot be complacent. I ask Albayanos to stay alert. Disaster authorities are preparing and not leaving anything to chance,” Salceda said.
At least P220 million in roads, bridges and irrigation systems were damaged during the rains, while at least 3,000 hectares of rice and corn fields have been destroyed.
Agricultural losses were estimated at P74 million.
In Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Baldado said it was important to prioritize environmental protection. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon with a report from Romy Amarado, Inquirer Visayas
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