Landslide hits Acupan, Itogon anew; 19 households evacuated

Itogon, Benguet - Heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) triggered a landslide on Friday morning, July 4, in Sitio Acupan, Barangay Virac, Itogon, causing structural damage and forcing residents to evacuate. 

Photos shared by the DZWT 540 AM-Radyo Totoo from Benguet Board Member Alexander Fianza show mud, rocks, and water crashing down into the trails and homes.

The hanging bridge, which is a vital passage for the residents, was also torn down by the strong winds and heavy rainfall. 

Quick response to the incident 

A preemptive evacuation of families living near the danger zone was issued earlier by the local government unit of Itogon to avoid injuries or casualties. The miners were also told to stop working and leave the tunnels immediately. 

In its report, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRRMC) said a total of 19 households were evacuated. 

Right after the landslide, authorities, local officials, miners, locals, and volunteers from the Goldfield Patriot Eagles club quickly joined efforts to clear the debris and reroute water flow that was redirected by the landslide toward residential areas to prevent further flooding. The responders will monitor areas for more possible landslides. 

Acupan is a landslide prone area

This is not the first time a landslide has happened in Acupan, a mining site in Itogon. The mountain where mining tunnels are has soft soil; hence, it is a landslide-prone area. 

In the past years, similar incidents in the area caused loss of life and damage to properties.

With the weather conditions expected to worsen, as reported by the PAGASA, Acupan residents and nearby sitios are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders. Outdoor activities, mining, and travel along the mountain trails are strongly discouraged until it is safe to do so.   

In its latest report, PAGASA said tropical storm “ Bising” continues to enhance habagat, bringing moderate to heavy rains over parts of Cordillera, especially Benguet, Mt. Province, and nearby provinces.