HAZARD MAP REVIEW. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. proposes a review of the province's hazard map on Monday (Jan. 6, 2020). This, after northern Iloilo, which is seldom hit by flooding, was not spared by heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Ursula in December. (PNA Photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- As Typhoon "Ursula" (Phanfone) lashed Iloilo province last month, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has sought for a hazard map review to re-identify areas prone to flooding and other dangers.
This, as the governor noticed that towns in the fifth district of the province, which were often unaffected by flooding, were not spared this time by "Ursula".
“It is systematic because even before, we determined the danger zones already up to the village level. These (hazard areas) might have changed and that is why we need to review,” Defensor said on Monday.
The evacuation of residents in typhoon-ravaged areas was also affected by the belief the northern Iloilo towns will not be submerged in floodwater.
“One of the examples why the evacuation of the areas was affected because of the notion that ever since, that area has not experienced flooding, even during strong calamities,” he said.
Defensor also noted land areas now planted with corn in the uplands of northern Iloilo.
“Maybe the trees were slowly being cut down and were replaced by corn, so it has to be reviewed,” he said, adding that bodies of water like streams in the northern part of the province should also be included in the review of the hazard map.
Likewise, Defensor said the provincial government is gearing for an extended tree-planting program this year. “We have to regain the secondary forests. Secondary forests include those areas denuded for agricultural purposes,” Defensor said.
The plan for the regeneration of the province’s secondary forests was already arranged with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) and will be implemented this year, he said. (PNA)
