Approximating Disaster that Are to Happen







  The recently concluded planning workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Search and Rescue Plans at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Bayan is fraught with questions connotative of the tacit fear of men for the unknown and the unexpected.  We could not fault anyone to react that way vis-a-vis the realities that are happening before our very nose. We ourselves are disaster waiting to happen. Our mountains and the forests in them are raped constantly and we acted as if it is the normal thing. 
We let the tree haters exorcised the elves and the elementals out of Balete and gave them a free reign in redefining our myths and legends as ridiculous and puerile. They failed to see the wisdom ingrained on those fantastic folk beliefs.


Below are a couple of tables showing some communities known as disaster-prone in Balete.  These data are based on previous occurrence and on inputs provided by Punong Barangays. We have also consulted the geohazards assessment conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau(MGB), DENR Region VI Mapping and Assessment Program.


FLOODS
Barangay
Remarks
Aranas: Sitio Agsili
High flood depth of >1m affects Sitios Sumae-gi, Mapait and Anao.  Flood is seasonal, occurring during continuous heavy rains and high tide.  Flooding subsides after high tide.
Arcangel: Sitios Libong, Bunayag, Pueahan
Sitio Bunayag situated near Bunayag Creek is seasonally flooded with high water level of >1m.  Arcangel Sur Elementary School is located at the embankment of Bunayag River, thus it is susceptible to flooding.  A sharp river bend at Sitio Lirong threatens to scour the road side.
Calizo: Sitios Suwaragan, Maeobog, Bangbang
Very highly turbid flash flood waters are very common.  Flood depth measuring >1m is seasonally experienced by the residents.  Erosion at JAL-O River destroyed 3 houses at Sitio Suaragan.
Cortes: Sitios Centro, Gibungan, Pueos Ilaya, Ilawood
Flash flood with low turbidity rarely happens.  Flood depth of >0.5m seasonally occurs in the Barangay.
Feliciano: Sitios Tagaytay, Bantayan to Sigman
Flash flood with low turbidity rarely affects the Barangay.  Moderate flood depth of 0.5-1m rarely occurs.  Floodwaters usually confined on river channel.
Fulgencio: Sitio Kasawahan
Flash flood with low turbidity rarely occurs.  Moderate flood depth of 0.5-1m rarely affects plantations and rice fields.
Guanko: along the banks of Mayodmon & Jal-O rivers
Low flood depth of >0.5m is rarely experienced at the
Barangay. Low level (0.5-1m) of flood waters seasonally occurs.
Morales: Sitios Eapnag, Awayon, Agsasaeay, Aguean, part of Talimanoc
Even during ordinary rains, Sitio Eapnag, Aguean-Awayon junction is flooded with moderate height of 0.5-1m.  Flood prone areas near junction of Watawat and Pulahan rivers include Sitios Eapnag, Aguean and Awayon.
Poblacion: Sitio Ilawood along TF Calizo Highway
High flood depth of >1m specifically affects Sitio Ilawod during heavy rains and high tide.


LANDSLIDES

Barangay
Landslide  Susceptibility Rating
Aranas: Sitio Mapait
High at Sitio Mapa-it
Calizo: Sitios Suwaragan, Bangbang
Moderate
Morales: Sitios Talimanoc, Sibuyana & Agtawagon
Moderate
Oquendo: Sitios Panarga, Agbalogo
Moderate
Arcangel: Sitio Binaklingan
Moderate along Barangay Roads
Guanko: Sitio Punta,Guibongan & Saeag
Moderate along Barangay Roads
Feliciano: Sitio Hagimit
High at Sitio Hagimit
Poblacion:


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