ILOILO CITY – As the rainy season started, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 gave a list of the municipalities and cities that are highly susceptible to landslides and floods.
The list was based on the geohazards mapping that the MGB conducted in Western Visayas, according to Chief Geologist Mae Magarzo.
Magarzo said they identified the top 10 municipalities and cities in each six provinces in the region in terms of their susceptibility to landslides and floods.
She explained that those in the top 10 are the areas having the most number of barangays. Landslides and floods may also occur in areas not included in the list, especially during episodes of heavy downpour, Magarzo added.
Landslide-susceptible areas per province are the following:
*Aklan – Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Ibajay, Tangalan, Nabas, Malay, Buruanga, Balete, and Makato
*Antique – Valderrama, Laua-an, Barbaza, San Remigio, Patnongon, Bugasong, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, and Pandan
*Capiz – Tapaz, Jamindan, Maayon, President Roxas, Pilar, Dumarao, Ivisan, Roxas City, Dumalag, and Pontevedra
*Iloilo – Leon, Tubungan, Igbaras, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, Maasin, Janiuay, Calinog, Lambunao and Alimodian
*Guimaras – Jordan, San Lorenzo, Buenavista, Sibunag, and Nueva Valencia
*Negros Occidental – Cadiz City, Talisay City, Silay City, Murcia, Escalante City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, and La Carlota City.
The most flood-prone areas to per province, meanwhile, are the following:
*Aklan – Kalibo, Numancia, New Washington, Malinao, Banga, Lezo, Madalag, Libacao, Altavas, and Balete
*Antique – Barbaza, Sibalom, San Remigio, Valderrama, Patnongon, Laua-an, Bugasong, San Jose, Tibiao, and Culasi
*Capiz – Dao, Mambusao, Sigma, Sapi-an, Panit-an, Cuartero, Dumalag, Pan-ay, Pontevedra, and Roxas City
*Iloilo – Zarraga, Pavia, Dumangas, Leganes, Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Dingle, San Enrique, Passi City and Calinog
*Guimaras – Sibunag, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, San Lorenzon and Jordan
*Negros Occidental – Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, and E.B. Magallona
Natural factors – like steep slopes, weak rock characteristics, loose thick soil, and poor vegetation – contribute to landslides, said Magarzo. (With MGB, DENR Region 6/PN)
