OCD calls on LGUs to utilize DENR’s geohazard map after landslides during Kristine

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) called on local government units to fully utilize the geohazard map developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) following the landslides during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

“Kumpleto ho ‘yan, kailangan lang gamitin ng todo ng mga kasamahan natin sa local government units,” said OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno in Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday. 

(It’s already complete, our local government units should full utilize it.) 

Government data showed that 125 were killed during Kristine’s onslaught, with more than 100 individuals missing. Of the fatalities, 27 died due to the landslides. 

The geohazard map can be accessed by anyone with Internet connection and it shows the areas that are prone to landslides and floods. 

For instance, Barangay Sampaloc in Talisay, Batangas is colored red in the geohazard map, which indicates that it is a landslide-prone area during heavy downpour. 

But the OCD thinks that few are aware that such a map exists. 

“Hindi na ngayon yung panahon na hindi alam yung mangyayari eh. Kulang lang sa kaalaman na meron nang ganyang impormasyon,” said Nepomuceno. 

(It’s not normal these days not to be informed of what’s really happening. But the problem is there is only a lack of awareness on such information.) 

But the MGB admitted that further data is needed to be integrated into the map for more accurate landslide prediction. 

“As of now po above 50% po ang na-meet po natin for updating na 1 is to 10,000 scale ng ating rain induced landslide and flooding po, and we aim to finish it by 2028 po,” said Aldrich Gerard Gatbunton of DENR-MGB. 

(As of now, we are already at 50% of the updating for the 1is to 10,000 scale for rain-induced landslides and flooding, and we aim to finish it by 2028.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News