Geo-hazard mapping of Cordillera critical areas starts next week

THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau said it will focus in areas described to be highly susceptible to landslides in their Geohazard Mapping program.

MGB Regional Technical Director Orlando Pineda said after the completion of 1:50,000 scale geo-hazard maps, they are going to make 1:10,000 scale maps in populated areas particularly in Benguet and Mt. Province barangays described as highly susceptible to landslides.

The project is a thrust of the agency to prevent the loss of lives during landslides as many houses are built on unstable ground.

These new geo-hazard maps will give a clearer description of the areas described as highly susceptible to erosion and landslides.

Aside from creating geo-hazard maps, the agency continues to get the history of ground movement in areas detailed in previous maps through interactions with local barangay officials.

Once identified as highly susceptible to landslides, the agency will advice local officials and national line agencies concerned to come up with mitigating measures to avert the loss of lives and damage to properties.

One of the areas which the agency will start creating a more detailed geo-hazard map is the town of Tublay in Benguet, which was severely devastated by landslides during the onslaught of Typhoon Pepeng in 2009.

Other areas in the region where landslides have happened, including highways will also be monitored and observed by geologists from the MGB to make maps that will be utilized by local officials in the area. (JM Agreda)