The DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Western Visayas (MGB-6) has recommended the relocation of houses and residents away from sitios Manaol and Santos Santos in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, where ground cracks have again occurred.
The recommendation was stated in the report submitted by MGB-6 Oct. 10 to Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo, after completing their survey of the ground cracks in August this year. In 2009, a landslide took place, also in the area, the MGB noted.
Engr. Leilanie Suerte, supervising geologist for MGB-6, described the type of landslide in Sitio Manaol as an “active creeping landslide” with an estimated length of 2.34 kilometers, and an area of 0.97 square kilometers.
Suerte said the slow-moving landslide is unnoticeable on a daily basis since it only moves a few millimeters per day during dry conditions and a few centimeters to a meter during saturated conditions.
She raised the possibility that the flow could be rapid when triggered by a strong earthquake, and cited the Guihulngan landslide as an example, where a 6.7 magnitude quake occurred in 2012.
The areas in sitios Manaol and Santos Santos are within the place where the landslide took place and must be declared a “High Risk Danger Zone, or No Build Zone”, the MGB-6 report said.
Suerte pointed out that no amount of engineering intervention could stop slow-moving or creeping landslides.
While it recommended that all residents, whose houses are within those high risk areas, must be relocated, the MGB also pointed out that it can still be used as an agricultural zone, provided that ample warning signs and notices will be placed.
The MGB-6 inspecting team identified at least 18 houses and structures in the area of the moving mass.
She also warned that the landslide in the area may further progress, especially if the nearby Tig-buaya Creek is struck by flashfloods during continuous heavy downpour or strong tremors./GB
