Pre-emptive evacuation saves hundreds

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The pre-emptive evacuation implemented by the local government unit of Arayat had saved some 300 families residing in Purok 7 of Barangay San Juan Bano from "clear and present danger."

This came after Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino ordered the evacuation of concerned families a day before the onslaught of Typhoon "Santi."

The affected families were evacuated to safer ground, inside the national park here. Also, one of the evacuees who was injured due to fallen debris was immediately given medical attention.

Earlier, mud, rocks and debris cascaded down Mount Arayat as a result of the continuous rains brought about by the typhoon.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) through its chief Angelina Blanco has constantly been coordinating with Alejandrino for the immediate needs of displaced families.

It can be recalled that on September 26, 2009, a landslide claimed the lives of 12 residents in Barangay San Juan Baño, Arayat town.

The area was wiped out by strong mudflow and huge stones coming down from the mountain.

Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources previously reiterated that Mt. Arayat National Park remains “critical,” and landslides may occur anytime with heavy downpour.

Engr. Noel Lacadin, MGB chief geologist, explained that huge volume of sediments, boulders and mud are found on top of the mountain, and this could probably trigger another landslide during the rainy season.