Abstract: The study was implemented to strengthen disaster science capacity of the three southern coastal barangays of Panan, Binoclutan and Porac in Botolan, Zambales through the establishment of databases and conduct of risk assessment. All of the respondents in the survey conducted have experienced the occurrence of earthquakes and typhoons. Few have experienced flooding and fires. There were 82% who have experienced the occurrence of volcanic eruption brought about by Mt. Pinatubo.
Among the three barangays surveyed, Barangay Panan appeared to be the most prepared. In case of emergency, they have flashlights have with extra batteries, rope and boots. Very few have fire extinguisher, sprinkler, life vest, “salbabida”, fire exit, firewall, 3 day survival kit, although some have radio, first aid kit and food stuff prepared. However, they do not change their electrical wirings in their homes after 10 years of installation and do not post the contact numbers of MDRRMC, Fire Department and PHIVOLCS. Farmers or inland fisherfolks would harvest their crops or fishes before any typhoon with heavy rains which may cause flooding. Fishermen do not go out to the open sea if there is a typhoon signal. During and after the occurrence of any disaster, respondents seemed to be well informed on what to do except on asking assistance from MDRRMC.
The structures or buildings found in the three barangays were mostly built after 1992; more than 50% are in good condition and for residential use. The total floor area of the buildings in the three barangays is 109,632.09 m2.
Risk assessment analysis revealed that a total of 54,497 sq. m. will be the total damage floor area with a total value of PhP 305,102,210.10 because the three barangays are exposed to the following hazards: 1 to 4 meters storm surge, ground shaking with PEIS of intensity VII and above, rain induced landslides, ground rupture because a faultline is found traversing from Barangay Burgos to Porac along the southern streambank of Bucao River and most likely to experience flooding and liquefaction hazard as well as Tsunami with a maximum wave height of 4 meters. Barangay Porac is also susceptible to the hazard of lahar flow. For the physical damages an estimated amount as follows: Slight = PhP 90,146; Moderate = PhP 100,186; Extensive = PhP 42,538; Complete damage but no collapse = PhP 26,861; and Complete damage with collapse = PhP 2,370. In terms of economic loss for all the basic physical properties of the entire population for the three barangays, this will have an estimated value of PhP 1,000,000,000.00.
From the total population of 6,356 in a 1,511 households for the three barangays, the following will be the number of estimated casualties in case a disaster strikes the places: Fatalities = 4; Very serious injuries = 2; Serious injuries = 253; and Slight injuries = 10
Since most of the people in the three barangays were not aware of the existence and the contact number of either the Barangay/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC/MDRRMC), it is recommended that the Local Government Unit may mobilize the concerned authorities to conduct awareness on the services of the Council and conduct information dissemination campaign to cope with the occurrence of any disaster.
Keywords: awareness, casualties, disaster, emergency, hazard, injuries, preparedness, risk.
Title: DISASTER SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THREE SOUTHERN COASTAL BARANGAYS OF BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES
Author: Dinah E. Abugho, Jocelyn B. Angeles, Narciso A. Dacayo
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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