Half of Davao del Sur barangays prone to landslide

DIGOS CITY, Philippines—The Davao del Sur Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council said Friday it has issued an alert to all local government units following the release of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s geo-hazard map showing that much of the province was prone to landslides and floods.

The MGB map identified 115 of the province’s 337 barangays or about half of the total as landslide prone. They include some areas being eyed for gold and copper exploration by a foreign-owned mining company.

Fifty-four other barangays face the threat of floods.

Roderick Milana, PDRRMC chair, told the Inquirer that the landslide prone areas are located in the municipalities of Malita, Sta. Maria, Malalag, Jose Abad Santos and Kiblawan, where Xstrata-owned Sagittarius Mines Inc. has proposed to set up operations.

Milana said all mayors have been told to brace themselves for the worst amid erratic weather patterns.

Residents of the landslide- or flood-prone areas have also been advised to be vigilant at all times, especially during heavy or continuous rains, he said.

“We have prepared all gymnasiums built in all towns of Davao del Sur as our main evacuation centers in times of calamity,” he said.

Landslides and floods have occurred various places in  Davao del Sur areas in the past.

Milana said the MGB geo-hazard map, which indicates high-risk areas, would help the PDRRMC’s effort to minimize the effects of natural calamities on the lives and safety of residents.