Saturday, May 03, 2008 Mining not main cause of Cordillera landslides: official By Jane Cadalig
MINING can't be solely blamed for the region's vulnerability to landslides.
This according to Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau Director Horacio Ramos, as he refuted claims that the presence of mines in the region makes places in Baguio City susceptible to landslides.
Instead, he pointed to illegal quarrying as the main contributor to the occurrence of the hazard.
"It is not accurate to say mining alone causes landslides. Mining is an engineering endeavor, where mechanics are implemented to prevent landslides, unlike quarrying where there are no measures put in place to address environmental concerns," Ramos said.
He said the country's thrust towards responsible and modern mining helps minimize the hazards brought about by the industry.
Ramos and other government line agency officials presented result of the hazard mapping for Baguio City and La Trinidad.
The undertaking aims to identify areas in the country that are vulnerable to natural hazards to be able to guide planners, local officials and the public in addressing and preventing damages that may the hazards may bring.
CAR possesses all the ingredients of a landslide-degradation of forests, intense rainfall, mountainous terrain and rapid development, making the region highly susceptible to the natural hazard.
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