10 families evacuated in Negros city due to cracks near river
BACOLOD CITY – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in San Carlos, Negros Occidental has implemented a preemptive evacuation on 10 families on Friday, May 12, after a portion of the retaining wall along Palampas River in Purok Tindalo, Barangay 1, showed early signs of possible collapse due to scouring.
VISIBLE cracks from the retaining wall along Palampas River in Purok Tindalo, Barangay 1, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, that prompted a preemptive evacuation on 10 households on May 12. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMO) CDRRM officer Joe Alingasa Jr. said the water encroached into the area, where the houses are situated, thus making it too dangerous for residents to stay there. Alingasa said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has previously enhanced the existing riprap into a retaining wall to prevent the water from reaching the houses. However, it added weight on the existing riprap that probably caused the movement underneath, he added. Alingasa said they are conducting daily inspections to check the movement of cracks of the retaining wall and ground fissures, since it’s been moving rapidly in the past seven days. “It has to be further investigated,” Alingasa said, adding that they have yet to see the extent of the cracks. Alingasa said there is a need to ensure the structure integrity of the retaining wall to prevent erosion and before the residents could repair or reconstruct their houses. He also said that they need the help of regional geologists to look deeper into the cause of the cracks. As of Tuesday, May 16, he said they have not recorded any movement, but he noted that it is not yet advisable for the affected families to go back since thorough investigation and proper assessment are needed. Alingasa said the affected families are now temporarily staying at the barangay hall.
VISIBLE cracks from the retaining wall along Palampas River in Purok Tindalo, Barangay 1, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, that prompted a preemptive evacuation on 10 households on May 12. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMO) CDRRM officer Joe Alingasa Jr. said the water encroached into the area, where the houses are situated, thus making it too dangerous for residents to stay there. Alingasa said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has previously enhanced the existing riprap into a retaining wall to prevent the water from reaching the houses. However, it added weight on the existing riprap that probably caused the movement underneath, he added. Alingasa said they are conducting daily inspections to check the movement of cracks of the retaining wall and ground fissures, since it’s been moving rapidly in the past seven days. “It has to be further investigated,” Alingasa said, adding that they have yet to see the extent of the cracks. Alingasa said there is a need to ensure the structure integrity of the retaining wall to prevent erosion and before the residents could repair or reconstruct their houses. He also said that they need the help of regional geologists to look deeper into the cause of the cracks. As of Tuesday, May 16, he said they have not recorded any movement, but he noted that it is not yet advisable for the affected families to go back since thorough investigation and proper assessment are needed. Alingasa said the affected families are now temporarily staying at the barangay hall.