Landslide hits Payatas in Quezon City

At least 25 houses were damaged in a landslide over the weekend at Sampaguita Extension in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, according to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

“Bigla na lang pong gumuho sa bahay namin na puno ng kahoy pati mga lupa. Nalulungkot pero disgrasya talaga eh, wala kaming magawa,” resident Gilda Lumentegar said.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office already declared the area a danger zone.

“Slope kasi siya eh so tendency talaga ‘pag ang lupa ay mabasa nang mabasa, lumalambot. ‘Pag lumambot, puwede po siyang mag-slide. So kinonsider po ‘yong soil erosion ng Department of the Building Official,” QC DRRMO chief Myke Marasigan said.

The city government also asked residents in the landslide-prone area to relocate immediately as heavy rains continue to affect the city due to Tropical Storm Pepito.

“Gusto po natin silang bigyan ng permanenteng solusyon. Mayroon po tayong malapit na pabahay ng ating pamahalaang lokal na puwede nilang lipatan dahil danger zone na po talaga ‘yong nakita namin base sa aming pagsusuri,” QC housing coordinator Armand Albuladora said.

The affected residents are currently being assisted by the homeowners association.

Meanwhile, some residents said were against relocating and leaving the area where they have lived for many years.

“Wala na kaming inaaasahan kundi dito lang,” Edilberto Advincula said.

“Dito ko po nabuo ang pamilya ko sa lugar namin. Tapos agad-agad po kami lahat aalis. Parang napakahirap naman sa ngayon ang aming kalagayan,” Alfredo Avenir added.

Moreover, the city government said they are already coordinating with the barangay regarding the relocation of the residents.

“Mapipilitan po kaming gamitan sila ng pamamaraan sa pamamagitan ng pulis para lumayo muna sa area na ito,” Albuladora said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News