ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Davao del Norte (PIA)- – The local government of the Island Garden City of Samal recently conducted a landslide and camp management drill at Sitio Madali, Brgy Kanaan, Kaputian District to keep residents prepared for risks present in their barangay.
The City Public Order and Safety Office – Risk Reduction and Management Division (CPOSO-RRMD) took the lead in conducting the drill as it noted Barangay Kanaan as a landslide-prone area for the past few years due to its steep slope landscape.
Part of the drill was the simulation of the immediate actions during a landslide wherein the residents evacuated the area and were transported to the evacuation center having been notified by the Purok leader.
Noted as part of the simulation drill as the record-keeping of social workers who listed all the evacuees. Two casualties were also found in the area: one was injured, and the other was buried under the land and was rescued by the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR).
The simulation drill aims to capacitate the community and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC) to carry out disaster preparedness and response capacities during natural and human-induced disasters.
Residents expressed their gratitude to the local government for this initiative, noting that they have not undergone such type of disaster preparedness training.
“Lipay kaymig dako [sir], kay first time ingon ani nag-sample unsay buhaton, pananglitan mag-landslide sa among bukid. Dako kaayo mig kalipay kay first time namo na ka-try niini. Naami natun-an na maoni among buhaton ug magkinaunsa,” says Ariann Aguana, a resident of Barangay Kanaan.
[We’re so happy because this is the first time that we’re shown samples on what to do if ever a landslide would occur in the mountain slope. We’re greatly happy that we’ve tried this for the first time. We have learned what to do whatever would happen.]
Moreover, Kanaan Punong Barangay Norbert N. Baul emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness in his barangay.
“Nagpasalamat jud mig dako sa nahitabo karon kay among lugar prone sa landslide, ug dako kaayo ni natabang sa mga taga Kanaan aron matagan sila og dugang kahibalo sa pag-rescue sa pamilya, simbako mahitabo ang landslide.”
[We’re glad of what is conducted today because our place is prone to landslide, and this really is a great help for the residents of Kanaan, giving them additional knowledge on how to rescue their family, if ever a landslide would occur.] (JMDA with reports and photos from the Samal Island Information Office)
