Collapse of mountain slope feared anew in Baguio

Residents fear that a portion of a mountain in Baguio would collapse again amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In Sandra Aguinaldo’s Thursday report on "24 Oras," authorities are closely monitoring some barangays considered landslide-prone areas.

In Barangay Lower Quirino Hill, a portion of the mountain was covered to protect its soil from the rain as a landslide occurred prior to Kristine.

However, due to the continued rainfall, GMA Integrated News noticed that some soil eroded.

“Problema talaga namin dito is soil erosion lalo na kung na-saturate na ng ilang araw yung soil tapos biglang darating ang malakas na ulan. Malaking problema,” Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

(We have a problem with soil erosion, especially if the soil is saturated, then heavy rains suddenly come. It is a big problem.)

A family already left their home but Hilario Balangue’s family, who lives next door, opted to stay.

“Hindi pa malakas yung ulan. Kapag malakas na talagang pa rescue na kami,” Balangue said.

(The rain is not heavy yet. If it is really strong, we will call for rescue.)

The barangay hall is also near where the landslide occurred.

“Upon checking wala namang problem po so far affecting structural integrity nun building,” Barangay Captain Van Dicang said.

(Upon checking, there is no problem yet that can affect the structural integrity of the building.)

Garbage was also cleared off from the city lagoon so that it would not cause flooding.

Authorities also used sensors to monitor water levels and soil erosion.

Based on preliminary information, a house is being constructed beside a vacation house, which was also affected by the landslide. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/ LDF, GMA Integrated News