Philippines: DOST Boosts Monitoring of Mudflow in Juban

In the report tendered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Engr. Gerry Asuncion, he said that the several explosions of Mt. Bulusan have caused the deposit of enormous volume of ashes and other volcanic debris now compounded on the slopes of the volcano and gullys leading to the towns of Irosin and Juban causing mudflows.

According to Asuncion, the heavy continuous rains in the province have induced these volcanic debris to flow towards the river system and its tributaries leading to the Cadac-an river that traverses the two towns.

All smaller river tributaries in these two municipalities are now heavily silted despite the dredging conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways together with the engineering department of the provincial government.

Asuncion said that the DOST technical report says that the flooding and siltation will greatly affect the water supply of some barangays in Juban dependent on the rivers for household needs.

He said that their agency had come up with the river map of these areas for regular monitoring and have also installed a mechanism to find out the volume of mudflow, its increase, and its impact on these certain identified areas.

With the heavy siltation of Cadac-an river, the barangays of Tampi, Taboc, Biriran, and Binanuahan in Juban have now become affected by floods.

The heavy downpour now overflows to these barangays causing floods and if not given immediate intervention, will create a greater problem in terms of water supply needs.

Asuncion also explained that they are now devising a water filter out of clay that can be used to filter water and remove the particles of sand and silt to come up with clear water for immediate needs.

He said that with the current situation specifically in these two towns, some highly flood-prone areas in Juban should be given attention especially in terms of clean and potable water supply, especially during emergencies.

The water filter made out of clay can also be used to remove particles on water affected by the silting.

“This water filter can be used for immediate needs in evacuation centers as part of DOST’s disaster risk reduction mechanism intervention to have access to clear water supply to people in evacuation centers affected by flooding or other calamities,” he said.

“Evacuation centers should be able to use alternative means to provide safe drinking water and this water filter made out of clay can be mass produced; what we need is funding so that areas affected by flooding can use these as a means to have clear water supply including for bath and toilet needs,” Asuncion explained.

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Dredging Today Staff, January 17, 2012;