DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao— After Tropical Storm Paeng triggered a landslide incident at Sitio Tinabon, Brgy. Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM, through the Mines and Geosciences Services (MGS), conducted a geohazard assessment in the area on 29 October 2022 to identify the extent of the disaster.

According to reports from the field, the landslide occurred on the night of October 27 at the foot of Mt. Minandar, affecting at least a hundred of residential houses.

“The MENRE will continue to conduct geohazard assessment activities in the affected areas to help the BARMM and the LGU identify proper interventions and recommendations,” MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim said.

Based on the available geoscientific data extracted from the assessment, an evacuation is recommended to the households affected by the debris flow landslide, while a relocation is prescribed for the residential houses near the incident area. The MENRE also recommends to the LGU of Brgy. Kusiong to set up landslide warning signages within the location and initiate readiness and measures for the identified geohazards because an increase in rainfall will further lead to natural damming, slumping and occurrences of landslide and flash floods. Moreover, any indication of similar mass movement will be observed, monitored and reported accordingly to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and to MENRE-MGS.

Further, on 29-30 October 2022, the MGS coordinated with the respective MDRRMOs of 12 Maguindanao municipalities and the CDRRMO of Cotabato City to develop situation reports on flood and rain-induced landslides caused by TS Paeng. The municipalities covered in the reports include South Upi, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Northern Kabuntalan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Pagalungan, Datu Unsay, Rajah Buayan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Datu Piang.

The geohazard assessment at Brgy. Kusiong was conducted by Geologists Aminshani C. Lukman, Rafael A. Romato, Japhet A. Taula, Leah I. Mapula, Joshua S. Batucan, and Andre G. Nacito. They were assisted by representatives from the 6th Infantry Division and Bureau of Fire Protection Search and Rescue Unit.