Only 14 of 40 evacuate

ONLY 14 of the 40 families living along the landslide-prone area in Shrine Hills evacuated to Los Amigos relocation center.

Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) Disaster Focal Maria Luz Farañal, in an interview with Sun. Star Davao yesterday, said only 14 families agreed to transfer to the Los Amigos relocation site as some opted to rent houses in lower areas or went to live

with their relatives.

"Those families who agreed to evacuate left their husbands in their house to guard their belongings and animals," Farañal said.

She said yesterday the CSSDO and other concerned agencies were given until 11 a.m. to clear the area.

She said even though they do not approve of it, some insisted to leave someone at their residence.

"Actually we cannot force them, we told them that they should think of the safety of their immediate relatives first, and not the safety of their animals or their belongings," she siad. She added that some did not bring with them the appliances, like refrigerator, washing machine, and TV.

At the evacuation center, the CSSDO will use the two mobile kitchens to provide food for the families until Sunday.

Farañal said the families will stay at evacuation area until November 30. The city government will decide on the next move.

She said no casualty was recorded in yesterday's landslide at Diversion roads since citizens were warned earlier on the shaking felt in the area.

Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office yesterday said they required forced evacuation in the area since a huge crack is now visible along Shrine Hills and the residents living along the area fronting the former dumpsite are considered highly at risk in case of a landslide. KVC