AT LEAST 15 families in Barangay Maigang in the southwestern town of Barili, Cebu had to be evacuated due to a landslide in the area.

This was confirmed by Neil Sanchez, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

Based on the PDRRMO’s last inspection, he said 30 to 40 houses had been affected by the incident. Cracks on the ground were first discovered on Jan. 12.

One of the reasons for this was the softening of the soil due to frequent rains, Sanchez said.

“It has been observed in this area that the water runoff coming from higher ground will go directly to the concrete road (without drainage), which does not allow the water to soak to the ground which may cause many cumulative impacts to humans and the environment, including flooding, damage to public and property, eroded stream banks,” Sanchez said.

He said the PDRRMO recommended to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Barili to constantly monitor the affected area and its vicinity.

The Maigang Barangay Hall, barangay health station and San Joaquin Chapel are located there, Sanchez said. (ANV / PJB)