Baguio continues clearing ops, fixing drainage systems after heavy rains

Clearing operations continue to take place in Baguio City's areas hit by landslides on Thursday while drainage systems are being repaired to counter flooding after two weeks of heavy rain.

In Ej Gomez’ report on 24 Oras, it has been two weeks after the deadly landslide in Barangay Guisad Surong that claimed the lives of 10 people and clearing operations by the city are underway in the area that could be declared a no-build zone after the tragedy.

The Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) cited the danger of constructing new structures in the location.

Aside from the displaced soil and debris, teams are also clearing up tons of trash from the destroyed houses as well as trees and bamboo. The DRRMO said the rains make their jobs more difficult on top of the other hazards.

“We’re trying sana kahit 24 hours pero mahirap, madilim (it’s hard and dark). Lalo na nung Day 1, medyo loose pa ‘yung soil. Mula nung nangyari itong tragedy na ito, tuloy-tuloy ang ulan namin (since the tragedy it has been raining continuously), in Baguio City kasi pag fully-saturated na yung soil, even after the rains, may tendency pa ring babagsak (there is a tendency to slide down),” said Engineer Charles Bryan Carame, head of the Baguio City DRRMO.

There was another landslide near ground zero. A total of 27 families have been preemptively evacuated as a precaution.

Roadworks

Meanwhile, several thoroughfares remain closed to vehicular traffic, including Kennon Road.

The city government is focused on fixing roads, particularly those located in the city proper that could possibly cause flooding and traffic.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are taking advantage of improving weather conditions. In Upper Session Road, work resumed in widening a portion and the construction of a retaining wall. Without these improvements, authorities said it is possible that a landslide could occur and endanger residents.

“At least gumanda ‘yung kalsada, may semento, wala nang maputik. Nakakatakot kasi ‘yung mga tubig, malaking umaagos na tubig, at least pag na-semento, hindi na delikado, said resident Elsa Abor.

(At least the road looks better, it’s concrete, there is no more mud. The water is scary, especially when it rushes down, at least if it’s concrete, it’s no longer as dangerous.)

A team is also working to immediately fix the drainage system along Otec Street in Barangay Rizal Monument. The project engineer said the work was delayed due to the recent typhoons and the Habagat.

Meanwhile, the famous Kennon Road remains closed to motorists.

“Because of the soil structure, because of the issue on the slope protection and everything. Paalala lang sa ating mga tourists, when they come up, avoid na lang po ang Kennon Road. Use na lang ‘yung alternate roads, ‘yung ating Marcos Highway and ‘yung Naguilian road,” Carame advised.

(A reminder to our tourists, avoid Kennon Road and just use alternate roads such as Marcos Highway and Naguilian Road.) —RF, GMA News