Comval and DavNorte still to determine escape routes in case of tsunamis

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, July 14 (PIA) Disaster managers of Davao del Norte and Compostela  Valley cited the need to establish the escape routes in their respective provinces in the occurrence of tidal waves following a strong tremor.

Speaking in the Biz Talk @ Big 8 Hotel, Raul Villocino said the evacuation mechanism for towns of Pantukan, Mabini and Maco which are situated along the Davao Gulf still needs to be formulated.

He said these towns are also included in the ten municipalities that are landslide prone.

“It is great challenge for us since tsunamis occur after the earthquake and residents along the coastline must be wary that in the event an intensity 7 tremor occurs, a tsunami follows,” Villocino pointed out.

Gaspar Balinggao, president of the Provincial said escape routes for Davao del Norte to the higher ground still have to be established.

He said residents must be involved in determining these routes so that they will be aware of what to do in adapting the emergency situation protocol.

“The residents must be involved in the planning process,” Balinggao pointed out.

Desiderio Cabanlit, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Davao Region said that the higher ground must be the place of refuge in the event of a tsunami.

He also said that the trigger of tsunami for the region is the Philippine Fault situated off the coast of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental and none within the Davao Gulf area.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)