A forced evacuation of at least 200 families from two barangays in Villaba, Leyte was implemented due to hazards posed by rockslides and apparent cracks on the ground.
The 187 families are from Sitio Bag-ong Barrio and six families from Sitio Mahayahay in Barangay Tagbubunga, while seven families are from Sitio Tubod in Barangay Abijao, according to Engr. Arvin Cueva of the Villaba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
Villaba, one of towns in Leyte facing northern Cebu, was hit by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, 2025.
Evelyn Diaz, barangay secretary of Tagbubunga, said that personnel of Villaba MDRRMO conducted an ocular inspection and recommended a forced evacuation of residents on October 9, 2025.
“Dili na safe ang lugar, anytime gamay lang nga tandog posibleng mahulog ang mga bato sa Purok 1-B, maong nag-forced evacuation ang rescue team,” Diaz pointed out.
The evacuees were provided with tents on a deemed safe area.
Personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will return by Friday, October 10, 2025 for further asssessment, Diaz added.
“By Friday, mobalik ang Mines and Geosciences Bureau, mag-plotting sa critical position [sa area],” she said.
Diaz also said that the evacuees are advised to remain at the evacuation center pending further assessment.
“Walay order nga mamalik sa Purok 1-B, delikado na jud. Ang order nga mag-stay sila sa evacuation [center] kay nagtuyok ang crack, dili safe para mobalik sa ilang lugar,” Diaz added.
No casualty was reported. No one was reported injured.
