SAN JOSE, Antique – Because it is “highly susceptible” to landslides, Barangay Igmasandig in Valderrama, Antique is unsafe for dwelling, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Recent monsoon rains softened the soil in the barangay, resulting in ground depression beginning on June 10. This, in turn, caused ground cracks and damaged the barangay hall, plaza, and houses of residents, among others.
There were no casualties but seven houses were totally wrecked while nine were partially damaged.
Geologists from the regional office of the MGB recommended prohibiting evacuated barangay residents from returning to their homes, said Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Broderick Train on Saturday.
The barangay chapel also sustained damage, and so were the daycare center, Igmasandig Primary School, electrical posts, and barangay roads.
Some 91 families composed of 280 individuals moved to the municipal evacuation center in the town center or sought shelter with relatives.
“Senior Geologist Adeline Grace Torreda who came with another geologist found the place as highly susceptible to landslide,” Train said.
The 4.8 magnitude earthquake with Valderrama as epicenter on June 7 further caused the ground to move, thereby worsening the situation, he added.
Valderrama mayor Mary Joyce Roquero said evacuated families will have to remain in the center or with relatives.
As of Saturday, 27 families remained in the evacuation center while 13 additional families moved to the Valderrama Central School.
Barangay Igmasandig was declared a under state of calamity as per the resolution passed by its village officials in a session that was held on Saturday.
The declaration of the state of calamity is necessary so they could utilize their barangay fund for their emergency needs, Roquero said.
The local government, she said, will also be looking for funds to purchase a relocation site for displaced families since the MGB has already declared the place unsafe.
Roquero appealed for assistance for the displaced families because the local government does not know until when the barangay and municipal government could provide for their needs.
Antique governor Rhodora Cadiao through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office already sent food packs for the families on June 11. (PNA)
