The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has also recommended the permanent relocation of residents in landslide prone areas of La Castellana town and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, its Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said yesterday.

Earlier the MGB had also recommended the permanent relocation of the residents of 332 houses in Isabela town, also in Negros Occidental.

In a letter to La Castellana Mayor Alberto Nicor Jr., Juguan said the MGB observed two landslides at the headwaters of the Buhangin River in the Mansipang Mountain Range along the slopes of Mt. Kanlaon.

The width of the landslides range from 30 to 60 meters and their lengths are, more or less, 100 meters, he said, adding that they cover about 1 hectare.

However, since the slopes in the portion of the mountain affected are almost vertical and are saturated with water, the landslides could progress and affect a much larger area, he warned.

If a large portion of the mountain slope collapses due to an earthquake, heavy rain or volcanic eruption, Juguan said an artificial dam could be created at the headwaters of Buhangin River that may trigger flashfloods that could affect downstream communities.

Temporary evacuation of residents along the slopes of the Mansipang Mountain Range during heavy rains and earthquakes, and along the Buhangin River during heavy rains must be carried out, he said.

Juguan also recommended permanent relocation of residents from the slopes of the mountains as a long term solution.

In a letter to San Carlos Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr., Juguan also recommended the relocation of residents living in the slopes and foot of Mt. Magpantay in Sitio Panu-olan, Barangay Guadalupe, and from the mid-slopes of the mountain in Sitio Inotosan, Barangay Bagonbon, who are also in danger of being hit by landslides and rock fall.

Cracks have already been noted in the ground in both areas, Juguan said.*CPG

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