The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. V (MGB R.O.-V) recently concluded the monthlong Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) and Updating of the 1:10,000 Scale Flood and Landslide Susceptibility Maps of the Municipality of Buhi, Camarines Sur.

A field assessment team from the Geosciences Division conducted the survey last March 5 to 30, 2019 covering sixteen (16) barangays of the said Municipality namely: Sta. Elena, Sta. Clara, San Roque, San Pascual, San Pedro, San Buena, San Jose Baybaon, Burocbusoc, Tambo, Cabatuan, Salvacion, Ibayugan, Ipil, Iraya, Sta. Cruz and Igbac. Physical and social vulnerability to floods and landslide hazards were assessed.

The assessment consisted of mapping and inventory of elements at risk particularly the local population, the residential, commercial and institutional buildings and other infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Further, data on socio-economic indicators including historical information on geohazard events and their effects were also gathered from residents, particularly on floods and landslides.

The initial findings and observations of the team showed that the area covered by the VRA in Buhi, Camarines Sur showed that most of the barangays that lie on the lake margins of Lake Buhi and the adjoining alluvial plains are exposed to high and very high flood. On the other hand, communities on the western part of Buhi, across Lake Buhi are very highly susceptible to landslide, debris flows and flash floods.

The outputs of the field survey include 1;10,000 Scale Vulnerability Maps, Risks Maps and Updated 1:10,000 Scale Flood and Landslide Hazard Maps. These will serve as inputs in formulating the local disaster risk reduction management plan, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment matrix of LGUs.