Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today urged local officials to familiarize themselves with the geohazard maps, and implement the necessary measures to reduce the impact of natural disasters on people’s lives and properties. Paje made the appeal in wake of reports by the weather bureau that heavier rains are still expected until September despite the conclusion of La Nina this June.  

On Thursday, PAGASA Supervising Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul announced the conclusion of La Nina in the country this June, but her residual effects, Ondoy-like rains, remain a possibility.

“Local officials should take heed of PAGASA’s warning of heavy rains.  In the same way, they should familiarize themselves with their geohazard maps and take note of areas that are found to be highly susceptible to flooding and landslides,” Paje stressed.

Paje also strongly recommended to local government units to prohibit habitation in areas declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR to protect people’s lives.

He cited as an example the Pangi river in Davao City that has overflowed following heavy rains, claiming 29 lives.  According to Paje, the river has been declared as a flood-prone river in a geohazard study entitled, “Terrain Analysis of the Davao City Watershed”, conducted by the MGB-Region 12.  As such, he said, the areas surrounding the Pangi river are declared in the geohazard map as “highly susceptible to flooding”.  Read More