Proactive measures to avoid risks of excessive rainfall set
Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) field officials to take proactive and timely measures to avoid risks associated with excessive rainfall.
Cimatu issued a memorandum after heavy rains from tropical depression “Usman” triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 120 persons in Bicol Region.
Deadly rainfall-induced landslides also occurred last year in Itogon, Benguet; Naga City in Cebu; and Natonin, Mountain Province.
Cimatu said the increase in the frequency of landslide events triggered by heavy rainfall underscores the urgent need to further protect communities from the devastating effects of climate change.
“It is therefore imperative for the DENR and its field offices to be prepared and responsive to the dangers and adverse effects of excessive rainfall,” Cimatu said.
The memorandum was addressed to all DENR regional executive directors, regional directors of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and provincial and community environment and natural resources officers nationwide.
For them to become proactive, Cimatu directed DENR field officials to revisit and familiarize themselves with the MGB-prepared geohazard maps indicating areas that are prone to floods and landslides.
“With the use and understanding of the geohazard map, the likelihood that we will be able to proactively respond to weather disturbances like typhoon and even mere low pressure incidences causing abnormally high rainfall will be greater,” Cimatu said.
He also ordered all field offices to have a copy of the updated geohazard maps in their advisory bulletin board.
The DENR chief likewise asked field officials and employees to familiarize themselves with the location of landslide- and flood-prone sites in their respective areas of responsibility.
He said field officials should establish an open line of communication and strong coordination with concerned local government officials to properly brief them on the possible danger of landslide and flooding in their respective areas.