Search, retrieval operations in quake stricken areas continues
By Amorganda A. Saludar
CEBU CITY February 14 (PIA) -- Search, relief and retrieval operations continue in earthquake stricken areas in Negros Oriental.
Presently, various government agencies and non-government organization and 11 to 18-member search and rescue teams from several mining and quarry corporation from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao continue the retrieval operations in landslide affected municipalities of Guihulngan, La Libertad and Tayasan
Recent report from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) said there are still 66 persons missing in Guihulngan and La Libertad.
Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-7) Operation Officer Niel Balaba said in case of unfavorable weather condition such as heavy rains or any condition that will put the retrieval operation teams at risk then search and rescue operations are suspended.
“From the time being the retrieval operation will still last for two weeks or more, hangtod makaya sa atong mga rescuers hangtod naa pa’y makuykuyan we will continue,” Balaba declared.
RDRRMC 7 reported that there were some instances that retrieval operations at Guihulngan and Libertad were temporarily suspended due to heavy rains but operation immediately resume after the rain stopped.
The same report said that operations in unstable surface uphill area in Solongon, La Libertad was also suspended due to recent after shocks.
Personnel from Apex Mining found new cracks in the area that will surely put the rescuers at risk.
This area is already maintained by the Philippine Army prohibiting anyone to enter within the perimeter of the slide area.
In this light, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-7) regional director Minda Morante with officials from DOH-7 convened all rescuers for an emergency meeting with regard to their area assignment and the safety measures that must observe while conducting search and retrieval operations and health related aspect when it comes to retrieving cadavers. (mbcn/AS/PIA-CEBU)
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MGB 7 recommends Cebu barangay declared “No Habitation Zone”
By Amorganda A. Saludar
CEBU CITY February 14 (PIA) -- Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) geologists Maria Elena Lupo and Josephine Aleta recommended that Barangay Vive in Ronda, Cebu be declared as “No Habitation Zone”after the area experienced a landslide on February 10.
MGB -7 geologists identified the place to be “very critical for landslide susceptibility” after they conducted a site examination and observation in the area.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) reported that "initial assessment of the area revealed that ground cracks extend an estimated length of 440 aerial meters along the ridge, trending northeast to southeast.”
RDRRMC-7 recommended for further observation of flooded grounds or seeps and deep-set surfaces that was also raised during the site examination.
The largest vertical ground displacement is reported to be 25 meters from the ridge and 15 meters horizontal displacement.
In compliance with the recommendations from MGB-7 geologists, Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco ordered the evacuation of the 5 families residing in the affected area.
Recent landslide in barangay Vive, Ronda Cebu left damages to 15 houses of which five were partially damage and 10 were totally damage and presence of surface cracks were also noted in Our Lady of Sorrow Chapel in the same town. (mbcn/AS/PIA-CEBU)