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Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Local gov’ts told to be involved in geo-hazard mapping
TO AVOID incurring losses due to disasters brought about by geological hazards, politicians should take an active role in efforts done by government agencies to avoid or mitigate the impacts of calamities.
This as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on the active participation of local government units (LGUs) in its effort to map out geo-hazard areas in various parts of the Cordillera to serve as guide for the constituents and development planners.
DENR Regional Executive Director Samuel Peñafiel said the identification of areas prone to geo-hazards should be given emphasis in the preparation of the comprehensive land use plans of the different municipalities in the region.
Correct information on the presence of geologically hazardous areas would guide LGUs in coming up with measures to mitigate the possible impacts of calamities to humans as well as the environment, Peñafiel said.
"We are trying to make the LGUs understand the significance of geo-hazard mapping. This would enable us to prevent disasters by knowing the areas prone to these kinds of dangers. This would also help us come up with proper planning to avoid or minimize the heavy losses we incur during disasters," he stressed.
The MGB has identified several geo-hazards that affect the region. These include faults, flooding, ground sinking and landslides.
In Baguio, the City Camp Lagoon is one of the areas being tightly monitored by the city government because of its high vulnerability to flooding.
Ground sinking is reported in the towns of Buguias, Mankayan and Atok, all in Benguet and in the municipality of Sagada in Mt. Province, among others.
Several fault lines are also recorded in Baguio, including the San Vicente, Burnham, Mirador and Tuba River faults.
Although the fault lines are believed to be inactive, residents and owners of establishments built along these areas are constantly warned to be cautious, as ground displacements could occur in these places during earthquakes.
The Digdig, San Manuel, Tebbo, Tuba, Bangui and Abra River faults are the active or earthquake generator faults that affect the region.
In spite of the numerous geo-hazards affecting the Cordillera, MGB Regional Director Neoman Dela Cruz claimed the region is still safe to live in, provided, however that residents are aware of the hazards present in their areas.
The MGB is also encouraging LGUs to adopt the policy of requiring the conduct of geo-hazard investigation before issuing permits to individuals applying for building permits.
This, the MGB said, would help building proponents determine whether the area they chose to establish their structures are prone to geo-hazard or not. (JC)
(August 2, 2006 issue)
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