Unstable earth
Area had debris of a past landslide, but structures were still built
GEOLOGISTS from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said developments on Shrine Hills, including one that involved the diversion of a waterway, and the excavation done for road widening were among key contributing factors of the landslide along Diversion Road,
This, aside from the fact that the affected slope bore debris from an old landslide and thus has been unstable long before.
MGB Geosciences Division Office in-Charge Beverly Mae M. Brebante during the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session yesterday said based on the ocular inspection done on September 30, they have already noted cracks within the Seventh Day Adventist Retreat House and adjacent properties.
"The vertical displacement of the stability was noted and the cause of the mass movement is attributed to the weakening of the slope material and the tapping of the base slopes. Road widening may have weakened the stability that triggered the mass movement on the area. Also it was added that a spring was observed at the base slope and according to interviews, the presence of spring may have contributed to weakening of the slope due to the saturation of the soil and this spring was already present prior to the road activities,” Brebante said.
Brebante said she furnished copy of the report to the DPWH and also to the Davao City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CRRMO).
Meanwhile, Thea Shaira Mae V. Peguit, Geologist II of DPWH, clarified that while the excavation for the road widening may have been a factor, it is the developments