Latest geohazard map on Negros Oriental’s vulnerable areas sought

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- Cong. Rodolfo Biazon, head of the House of Representatives’ Committee on National Defense and Security, asked the DOST and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to draw up an enhanced geohazard map that will pinpoint areas in the province that are vulnerable to various natural hazards.

Biazon wants the topographic and simulation maps to identify locations that are susceptible to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floodings, tsunami, and landslides and rockslides.

The map is critical in the disasters preparedness efforts of LGUs, he said.

They can monitor the disaster-prone areas in their towns and cities and start warning people that might be living in and around these areas, he added.

The congressman was in Dumaguete City on March 2, 2012 to preside over a meeting by the Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster Reduction following a series of natural calamities that hit Negros Oriental.

It can be recalled that flash floods brought by Typhoon Sendong struck the province on Dec. 17, 2011 and left more than 30 people dead and families homeless.

Barely two months after, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the province, triggering landslides and battering roads and bridges.

The death toll from the quake is pegged at 58 as of March 2, 2012. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental with reports from Maricar Aranas-Vensuelo)