With the almost nonstop rains in Benguet, landslides have been recorded in various parts of Itogon, Benguet.

As the entire town is a landslide-prone area, Aling Norma can’t help but feel anxious…especially after witnessing a landslide this morning, October 25, right in front of her store.

“Of course, I’m scared and anxious because if it falls, it will slide down,” said Norman Basco, a resident.

The cracks on the road near First Gate, Barangay Ucab, add to her concerns.

This road is the main route to Barangays Ucab and Dalupirip.

Earlier, geologists examined the cracks and marked them one by one, but they declined to make any statements at this time.

However, according to the Itogon LGU, they received a report about the issue a few months before yesterday’s incident.

“There were already cracks before, but now they’ve grown. Water might have entered them,” said Engr. Cyril Batcagan, MDRRMO Officer at Itogon MDRRMO.

The Itogon LGU is still uncertain about the cause of the road cracks, however, one lane has been temporarily closed.

“Not everything we mine here is the cause; some of the ground here is naturally soft and sinks easily,” Mayor Bernard Waclin explained.

If the situation worsens, they may be forced to close the road to motorists.

Currently, only two families have been evacuated from the townz

Residents in Baguio City were also greeted by fallen trees and broken tree branches.

One vehicle was crushed when a tree fell on it.

Some trees also blocked the road in Barangay Ferdinand.

Tabora Street in Lower Quirino Hill in Baguio City was once again closed to motorists as this follows another landslide.

According to the City Social Welfare and Development Office, six families or 31 individuals were heavily affected by Typhoon Kristine.

Meanwhile, two houses were partially damaged by Typhoon Kristine’s impact.

**Jose Robert Inventor