LEGAZPI CITY--ALBAY DISASTER OFFICIALS have recommended the immediate evacuation of residents living in 12 landslide-prone villages in the towns of Camalig, Libon, Daraga, Guinobatan and Oas and in this city following more than a week of nonstop rains in Bicol.
Listed as top priorities for evacuation are the villages of Ligban, Gotob and Mina in Camalig; Burabod in Libon; Pinaric, Bogtong and Ligñon Hill in Legazpi City; Kimantong in Daraga, Malabnig in Guinobatan, and Del Rosario and Casinagan in Oas.
To date, around 15,000 people have been evacuated across the province. Five casualties have been reported.
A total of 65,759 families have been “affected” by the floods and landslides.
On Wednesday evening, Gov. Joey Salceda ordered the forming of the Landslide Advance Monitoring Team (LAMT) composed of provincial and regional disaster offices.
The LAMT reported 53 other Albay villages as high-risk areas for landslides. These villages are
Dapdap, Bariis, Mayong, Sugod, Matalibong, Misibis and Joroan in Tiwi town
Ogob and Estancia in Malinao
Sabloyon in Tabaco
Datag, San Jose, Sta. Teresa and Calbayog in Malilipot
Mataas, Tambongon and all villages in Cagraray Island in Bacacay
Salvacion, Alimsog, Buhatan and Kalayukai in Sto. Domingo
Imalnod, Pinaric, Banadero, Banquerohan, Buraguis, San Francisco and Estanza in Legazpi City
Inang Maharong, Malobago, Tinapian, Cawayan, Buyo and Balasbas in Manito
Bogtong and Caracaran in the island town of Rapu-Rapu
Sipi in Daraga
Ilawod, Tinago and Tagoytoy in Camalig
Morera, Batbat and Catomag in Guinobatan
Cuyaoyao and Binodegahan in Pioduran
Tula-Tula, Cullat, Amtic and Tagpo in Ligao City
Sugcad, Cepres and Itaran in Polangui
Caguscos, San Vicente, Talin-Talin and Linao in Libon.
“The safe distance from the base of a mountain slope is at least 2 kilometers,” Salceda said in a text message on Wednesday evening.
He also said the Albay Social Welfare and Development Office had been mandated to coordinate with mayors.
Evacuation is still subject to the local government units’ decisions, although further inspections are being conducted in these areas to see if forced evacuation is necessary, said Jukes Nuñez, PDCC operations officer.
The number of evacuees are also being identified to verify relief requirements, he said.
“After five deaths due to landslides and flash floods even without typhoons, we cannot be complacent. I ask Albayanos to stay alert. Disaster authorities are preparing and not leaving anything to chance,” Salceda said.
At least P220 million in roads, bridges and irrigation systems were damaged during the rains, while at least 3,000 hectares of rice and corn fields have been destroyed.
Agricultural losses were estimated at P74 million.
In Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Baldado cited the need for strong leadership to overcome people’s apathy on environmental protection.
Baldado, an advocate of environmental conservation, said most people don’t pay attention to the need to protect the environment until a catastrophe occurs. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon with a report from Romy Amarado, Inquirer Visayas
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