Governor orders forced evacuation in Compostela Valley mining areas

DAVAO CITY— The provincial government of Compostela Valley on Monday ordered the suspension of small-scale mining operations in gold-rich areas in the province amid preparations for the onslaught of Tropical Depression “Chedeng.”

Eugene Alaba, provincial environment and natural resources officer said Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy has ordered mayors in towns with gold mining sites to implement forced evacuations in risk areas as the tropical cyclone’s moderate to heavy rains could trigger landslides in mountainous communities.

Municipalities that have mining sites include Monkayo, Compostela, New Bataan, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan.

Earlier Monday, Uy also ordered the cancelation of classes up to senior high school in at least eight of the 11 towns.

In a memorandum, the governor ordered school officials to temporarily halt classes in the municipalities of Maco, Mabini, Pantukan, Mawab, Nabunturan, Maragusan, and New Bataan due to possible landslides and flooding.

The province and the rest of Southern Mindanao as well as eastern parts of Cotabato and Sarangani provinces have been placed under Signal No. 1 as Chedeng nears eastern Mindanao.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the cyclone’s center was estimated at 445 east of Davao City, packing winds of up to 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

It was moving west at 20 kph and was expected to make landfall over Davao Oriental on Tuesday. /kga