Albay gov’t to relocate residents from lahar-hit areas, zones near Mayon

The provincial government of Albay will relocate residents living in areas hit by lahar during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly, as well those in zones around Mayon Volcano, its governor said.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, Governor Al Francis Bichara said that the local government has already acquired land where the new houses will be built.

“Kumuha na rin kami ng lupa para mai-relocate na itong mga hindi na pwedeng bumalik doon sa sinalanta ng lahar,” Bichara said.

“Problema lang talaga, we really have to relocate ang mga ibang tao  at itutuloy pa rin namin 'yung relief operation dahil marami ang nawalan ng bahay, totally damaged. So, obligadong tulungan muna sila,’ he added.

The Albay government discouraged the affected residents from returning to the area and rebuilding their houses.

Asked about the number of residents that will be relocated, Bichara said that around 150 houses were totally buried in lahar.

“Pero 'yung mga ibang bahay na nasa tabi noon, kailangan na rin lumipat dahil palaki nang palaki ‘yung papasok diyan na lahar at may mga kasama malalaking bato,” he said.

“Kailangan i-relocate na rin kasi talagang hindi na puwede,” he added.

Earlier, Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said residents in areas prone to lahar flows should be relocated as a long-term solution to keep them safe from the hazard.

She was also hoping that the national government will help the town to do the relocation with a livelihood program.

Ongjoco added that they need the help of the national government and non-government organizations for the housing project.

On November 2, Super Typhoon Rolly triggered lahar mudflows, burying an estimated 300 houses in Barangay San Francisco in Guinobatan, where several residents died. — BM, GMA News