By Nimfa Estrellado Assessing the damage and planning relief: Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and Mayor Rachel Ubana inspect the dev...
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| Assessing the damage and planning relief: Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and Mayor Rachel Ubana inspect the devastation caused by ground fissures in Barangay Matinik, Lopez, Quezon, on December 17. The officials vowed to assist the hundreds of displaced residents. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LOPEZ, Quezon – Immediate relief and long-term support are being mobilized for Barangay Matinik in Lopez, Quezon, after recent massive ground fissures, some up to 20 meters wide and 10 meters deep, ripped through the community, displacing over 200 residents and leaving a trail of destruction. Local and provincial officials are working together to provide urgent assistance and ensure the safety of all affected residents as a thorough investigation into the cause of the fissures gets underway.
The crisis unfolded rapidly. Heavy rainfall on December 15 saturated the soil, setting the stage for the disaster. On the morning of December 17, residents awoke to unsettling cracking sounds. By afternoon, the ground had given way, transforming into gaping chasms that swallowed homes and severed roads. "It sounded like thunder, but there were no clouds in the sky," a resident recounted. "Then we saw the ground splitting open right before our eyes."
As a result of the ground giving way, local officials, including DPWH Quezon 4th District Engr. Rodel Orlina Florido and Lopez Mayor Rachel Ubana, were on the scene in Barangay Matinik on the 17th to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance to frightened residents seeking refuge in the Barangay Hall. The inspection revealed a challenging situation: impassable roads and unstable ground, hindering access for rescue teams and aid delivery.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Barangay Matinik. Right now, our absolute priority is ensuring everyone's safety and getting help to where it's needed most," Mayor Ubana stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the difficult terrain. "This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and we are doing everything in our power to assist them in any way possible."
"We are working closely with the provincial government and all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response. The safety and well-being of the affected residents are paramount," she added, highlighting the unified effort to address the crisis. "We want to assure the community that they are not alone in this, and we will work tirelessly to help them recover and rebuild."
In response to the urgent need, Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan also visited the affected area to personally assess the situation. She vowed the provincial government's full support in providing immediate relief and long-term assistance to the displaced families. She coordinated with Mayor Ubana and other officials to ensure that resources were being mobilized effectively.
To further expedite the relief efforts, Governor Tan directed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to work closely with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to expedite the distribution of relief goods, including food, water, and temporary shelter materials. She also instructed the Provincial Engineering Office to assist in clearing debris and assessing the damage to infrastructure, prioritizing the restoration of access to the affected community.
Recognizing the psychological impact of the disaster, she emphasized the importance of providing psychological first aid to those traumatized by the event, mobilizing the Provincial Health Office to deploy trained personnel to offer immediate counseling and support.
Simultaneously, experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) arrived today to conduct a thorough assessment and determine the cause of this devastating "slump movement." An MGB geologist explained the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying geological factors to prevent future occurrences.
While heavy rainfall is believed to be the primary trigger, the investigation will also explore other potential contributing factors, such as underground cavities or changes in groundwater levels. They will issue a report with their findings and recommendations.
The devastating impact of the fissures is undeniable. The human cost of this disaster is immense. Over 200 individuals are now homeless, their lives upended in an instant. Families huddle in evacuation centers, facing unimaginable loss and an uncertain future. Efforts are concentrated on providing immediate necessities like food, water, and temporary shelter.
In addition to immediate relief, a plan is also being developed to provide longer-term support, including assistance with finding new, safe homes and rebuilding their lives. The community of Barangay Matinik faces a long and difficult road to recovery.
The immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, providing essential aid, and conducting a thorough scientific assessment. The coming days will be critical in determining the full extent of the damage and shaping the long-term future of this community.
Despite the challenges, the resilience of the residents of Barangay Matinik and the ongoing support from various agencies offer a glimmer of hope amidst this devastating event. The spirit of bayanihan, or communal unity, is strong and evident in the concerted effort to assist those impacted.
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