De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College

Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City

“Investigating Landslide Vulnerability and Mitigation

Strategies in Uling, City of Naga"

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Earth and Life Science

Prepared and Presented By:

Armando Abalo

Aletheia Kurgvayne Cabiles

Jon Drake Chua

Joshua Emmanuel Ledesma

Seth Edrich Paran

Janelle Mikhaila Sasan

John Sunjay Vicedor

 I. RATIONALE

A landslide, a geological phenomenon, occurs when a sloped area of land

experiences the descent of rock, soil, or debris. These natural events are often triggered

by various factors such as heavy rainfall, seismic activity like earthquakes, volcanic

eruptions, or other events that render the slope unstable. Geologists, specialists in the

Earth's physical formations, categorize landslides as a subset of mass wasting

processes. Mass wasting encompasses any process wherein the Earth's surface

undergoes erosion. Additionally, examples of mass wasting include rockfalls and the

movement of beach deposits, known as alluvium (Kim Rutledge et al., 2023).

The communities that are impacted by landslides experience a significant and

complex impact. A high number of fatalities and numerous injuries can result from the

swift movement of water and debris during landslides. Trauma brought on by the event's

force and suffocation as a result of entrapment are two of the main reasons for fatalities

during landslides. Additionally, landslides can result in secondary dangers such harm to

critical infrastructure, such as sewage, water, power, and gas lines. For the impacted

people, these disturbances may lead to accidents, illnesses, and additional problems,

such as the spread of water-borne illnesses, electrocution risks, and wounds from falling

debris. Additionally, landslides can have major effects on a community's overall

resilience by impairing the performance of essential services like healthcare as well as

fundamental utilities like water, power, and communication lines (WHO, 2022).
 For example, a landslide took place in California, United States. In 2018, heavy

rainfall caused a significant landslide on Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast

Highway. The landslide occurred near Big Sur, burying a stretch of the highway under

millions of cubic yards of debris. The landslide not only disrupted the flow of traffic but

also damaged infrastructure, including bridges and utility lines. It took several months

and significant efforts to clear the debris and restore the highway to its original

condition. (Christopher Mele)

A road landslide example in the Philippines occurred in 2017 in the province of

Benguet. The landslide was triggered by heavy rain brought by a tropical storm, which

caused the soil on a mountain slope to become saturated and unstable. This resulted in

a massive landslide that engulfed a section of the Kennon Road, a major highway

connecting Baguio City to the lowlands.

A portion of the road in Barangay Agsungot, Cebu City needs to be renovated

following the landslide that occurred in the area. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau

(MGB) Central Visayas has recommended that the Cebu City government widen the

road and install slope protection and benching to prevent the same incident from

happening again. Since Aug. 15, 2020, a series of landslides have occurred in Sitio

Lower Agsungot, prompting the City to close the road temporarily to clear the rocks that

fell on the road.

 An example near or in Lutopan is the frequent landslides on the road in Manipis,

which make the road unpassable, especially during heavy rains. Another example is a

part of a road in Uling, City of Naga, where one side recently eroded into the cliff.

This research aims to assess landslide risks, identify prone areas, and develop

risk mitigation strategies. It aims to understand the geological hazards they pose and

their impact on communities. A survey of 30 Uling residents in Naga City was conducted

to gather insights. The research will produce an infographic-based action plan to

motivate the community to reduce landslide impacts. The study's benefits include

raising awareness about landslide risks, improving response coordination, reducing loss

of life and property, and increasing resilience in future landslide events.

 II. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

In this chapter, we delve into a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the

outcomes derived from our survey. The presentation of results seamlessly integrates

tabular representations for enhanced visual comprehension, coupled with explanatory

text that offers deeper insights into the data. This approach not only facilitates the

accessibility of the data but also ensures a more profound understanding of the survey's

findings.

Table 1. Assessing Knowledge of Geologic Hazards

QUESTION YES NO TOTAL

1. Do you know the types of geologic hazards

that may occur in your community? 15 (75%) 5 (25%) 20 (100%)

2. Do you think your community's infrastructure is

strong enough to withstand geologic hazards 8 (40%) 12 (60%) 20 (100%)

such as earthquakes or landslides?

3. Have you participated in any geological hazard

awareness & training programs? 7 (35%) 13 (65%) 20 (100%)

4. Do you know where landslides occur in your

local community? 12 (60%) 8 (40%) 20 (100%)

5. In case of a landslide, do you think you will be

affected? 17 (85%) 3 (15%) 20 (100%)

6. Do you have a strategy in place for your

family's emergency preparedness? 16 (80%) 4 (20%) 20 (100%)

7. Have you ever participated in a drill around

 your neighborhood to prepare for a geologic 11 (55%) 9 (45%) 20 (100%)

disaster?

8. Have you experienced damage to

infrastructure in your community due to 12 (60%) 8 (40%) 20 (100%)

landslides?

9. Do you know the steps of what to do during a

landslide? 10 (50%) 10 (50%) 20 (100%)

10. Do you think you are prepared enough when

a landslide happens? 13 (65%) 7 (35%) 20 (100%)

The table above indicates that 75% of respondents are aware of the types of

geologic hazards that may occur in their community. This is a positive finding as it

suggests that a majority of the community understands the potential risks they may

face. A study has been made in order to analyze and reduce the effects of natural

disasters made more severe by climate change, the municipal government of Naga and

the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute undertook a Climate and Disaster

Risk Assessment (CDRA) since a significant landslide struck Naga City on September

20, 2018. (Ballesteros et al., 2021)

In contrast, 60% of respondents do not believe that their community's

infrastructure is strong enough to withstand geologic hazards such as earthquakes or

landslides. This discrepancy between awareness of hazards and confidence in

infrastructure highlights a potential area for improvement in community resilience and

preparedness. According to a study made by the University of the Philippines Resilience

Institute, the landslide that occurred on September 20, 2018 moved at a speed of 36–72

km/h and lasted for one minute. It also demonstrates that there was no visible backward

regression at the beginning of the landslide mass as a whole. It appeared that the entire

block began to move before the primary acceleration of the sliding mass based on the

fractures that formed previous to the collapse and were visible at the top of the

landslide. With this type of landslide that occurred that is massive and fast, it is no doubt

that the community's infrastructure cannot withstand this type of geological hazard (UP

Resilience Institute, n.d.).

The survey reveals that 35% of respondents have participated in geological

hazard awareness and training programs. While this indicates an effort towards

preparedness, the majority (65%) have not engaged in such programs. Encouraging

community members to participate in these programs could enhance their

understanding of geologic hazards and empower them to take appropriate actions in the

event of an emergency. With the lack of awareness and preparedness it could lead into

misfortune similar to the article made wherein villagers at the landslip toe in Sitio

Sindulan, Barangay Tinaan, and others in a nearby location at the base of a cliff in

Barangay Naalad did nothing despite early indications from growing fractures near the

headscarp a month previous to the calamity. The night before the mountain crumbled,

only residents of Sitio Tagaytay, which is close to the headscarp of the landslip, were

evacuated by the authorities (Suarez et al., 2020).

Approximately 60% of respondents know where landslides occur in their local

community. This knowledge is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions and
make informed decisions to mitigate risks. As early as 2008, local environmental

officials recognized Sitio Sindulan, one of the sites affected by the landslide in Barangay

Tinaan, Naga City, Cebu, as a landslide-prone region (Tizon, 2018).

An overwhelming 85% of respondents believe that they would be affected in the

event of a landslide, indicating a high level of perceived vulnerability. This underscores

the importance of raising awareness and implementing measures to minimize the

impact of geologic hazards on community members. According to Deng et al., 2015 the

City of Naga is located at the southeastern coast of Cebu Islands, Philippines. Cebu is

part of an island group, which along with Panay, Negros, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar

comprise the Central Philippines region that has a common geologic history. Given this

information it’s not surprising that the residents from City of Naga is aware of the

possibility they’ll be affected of the said geological hazard.

It is encouraging to note that 80% of respondents have a strategy in place for

their family's emergency preparedness. This indicates that a majority of the community

recognizes the importance of being prepared for geologic hazards.

Although 55% of respondents have participated in a drill around their

neighborhood to prepare for a geologic disaster, nearly half (45%) have not engaged in

such activities. Organizing regular drills and encouraging community participation can

significantly improve response capabilities and readiness.

Around 60% of respondents have experienced infrastructure damage in their

community due to landslides. These experiences highlight the need for proactive

measures to safeguard community assets and bolster infrastructure resilience.

 The survey shows that 50% of respondents are familiar with the steps to take

during a landslide. This indicates a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed through

awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

The majority of respondents (65%) believe they are prepared enough when a

landslide occurs. Although this is a positive finding, the remaining 35% may benefit from

targeted efforts to enhance their preparedness levels.

Table 2. Factors Contributing to Landslide

Answer Frequency

Illegal logging 10

Illegal Quarry 5

Sudden and heavy rainfall 9

Earthquake 3

Deforestation 3

Underground mining/deep excavation 2

Water irrigation/lands without tress/kind of soil on the land 2

According to 10 respondents, illegal logging is considered a significant factor

contributing to areas being more prone to landslides. Illegal logging often involves the

removal of trees without proper regulation or consideration for soil stability. The loss of

vegetation cover can weaken slopes, making them more susceptible to erosion and

potentially triggering landslides. The risk of a catastrophic landslide is increased by

clear-cutting, which can alter the stability of the soil and expose hillsides to more rainfall.
These problems came to light during a storm in December 2007 when a hillside near

Clatskanie gave way above Highway 30. No one was hurt, but the hamlet of Woodson

was completely destroyed. Later news reports revealed that the clear-cut logging in the

areas above the town in the past had caused the slide (Oregon Wild, n.d.).

Additionally, three respondents identified deforestation as a factor in increasing

landslide susceptibility. Similar to illegal logging, deforestation reduces the protective

cover provided by vegetation, leaving slopes exposed to erosion and decreasing their

overall stability

Five respondents identified illegal quarrying as a factor that increases the

susceptibility of certain areas to landslides. Quarrying activities involve the extraction of

large amounts of rock and soil, altering the natural landscape. This can potentially lead

to landslides. Our nation, the Philippines, depends on natural resources to support life

and develop, but the situation in Rodriguez is different. The province is being over-

quarried to the point where landslides could happen, and various animals could lose

their habitats. Plains that used to be mountains are now lifeless mountains that

contribute to pollution and global warming (Bernabe, 2019).

Nine respondents attributed landslides to sudden and heavy rainfall, which can

saturate slopes and increase pore water pressure. Increased water content in the soil

reduces friction between particles, leading to a loss of stability and potential mass

movement. Landslides are currently one of the most common and widely spread natural

hazards in the entire world. Rainfall, especially heavy rainfall, causes landslides by

raising the water pressure in the soil's pores. Rainfall-related landslides now account for

over 90% of all landslides in China. Rainfall extremes are a trend of extremelization that
can result from rainfall events and cause slope failure to occur suddenly and severely

(yang, 2017).

Three respondents identified earthquakes as a factor contributing to landslide

vulnerability. Strong seismic events can cause ground shaking, which can destabilize

slopes and trigger landslides. Landslides are frequently brought on by earthquakes.

Landslides happen when massive masses of rock, earth, or debris flows slide down a

slope under the influence of gravity. If the circumstances are right, landslides can

happen on any terrain and result in serious harm to people, property, and both

(SciTable, n.d.).

Two respondents acknowledged the role of underground mining or deep

excavation in making certain areas more prone to landslides. These activities can

weaken the structural integrity of the ground by creating voids underneath. Human

activities such as underground mining can cause landslides. This study examines

landslide-related factors, such as land subsidence brought on by underground mining,

in an effort to pinpoint areas that are susceptible to landslides (D Arca, 2018).

Two respondents attributed landslide susceptibility to factors such as water

irrigation, lack of tree cover, and specific soil types. Water irrigation can lead to

oversaturation of slopes, reducing their stability. There are numerous factors that can

cause a landslide to occur. The irrigation water is a major factor in landslides when the

weather conditions, such as rainfall, are certain. The amount of irrigation water

determines the amount of seep water, which affects the soil's water content (Jurui, n.d.).

Table 3. Strategies for Enhancing Public Awareness and Preparedness

Answer Frequency
 To let people/family know about prevention matters 5

Let the barangay and city government official know about the

awareness and prevention steps that the community must know 4

Having drills and awareness programs within the community 11

Five respondents emphasized the importance of educating the general public,

specifically individuals and families, about landslide prevention measures. This can

include distributing informational pamphlets, conducting workshops, or utilizing digital

platforms to ensure that essential information reaches a wider audience.

Four respondents highlighted the need to inform barangay and city government

officials about the awareness and prevention measures that the community should be

aware of. By engaging with local government authorities, community members can

advocate for policies and programs that promote landslide risk reduction.

Eleven respondents emphasized the importance of conducting drills and raising

awareness through programs within the community. These initiatives can simulate real-

life landslide situations, allowing residents to practice response and evacuation

procedures.

Table 4. Personal Experiences and Observations of Landslides

Answer Frequency
 They have no personal experience 6

Frightened for their family and children 5

Experienced during typhoon 3

Cracks in house, roads, and soil appeared 2

Due to lack of awareness people have died 1

It appears that a significant portion of the participants (6) have no personal

experience with landslides. However, there were five individuals who expressed fear for

their family and children in relation to landslides, indicating that this is a concern for

them. The day we arrived, it was continuously raining heavily, leaving the ground

sodden and muddy. People were afraid of further landslides because of the

unpredictable weather. We were completely overcome by the terrible power of nature

because the situation was so tense. The village at the bottom, which had about 1,500

residents, had been swallowed by the muds after a significant portion of the mountain

had collapsed (Japanese Red Cross, n.d.).

Additionally, three respondents mentioned experiencing landslides during

typhoons . This suggests that the occurrence of landslides may be more common or

more noticeable during extreme weather events. Two respondents reported observing

cracks in their houses, roads, and soil, which is a significant observation as it may

indicate potential instability in the area. In the Philippines' Northern Mindanao Region, a

landslide has claimed the lives of at least 5 people. Typhoon Nesat (also known as

Neneng in the Philippines) brought earlier heavy rain, which led to flooding and

landslides in the country's northern regions (Davies, 2022).

 Lastly, one participant mentioned that due to a lack of awareness, people have

died in landslides. Due to a lack of information and awareness about landslides, people

are not aware of the risks associated with them. Overall, the findings appear to be quite

risky because only 32.3% of respondents reported being consistently aware of the risk

of landslides, while the remaining respondents were deemed to be unaware (Putri,

2023).

III. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARY

In summary, the study focuses on geological hazards specifically landslides and how it

impacts communities significantly, causing fatalities, injuries, and damage to critical

infrastructure. Fatalities that often result from trauma and suffocation, while critically damaged

infrastructure, such as sewage, water, power, and gas lines that may lead to accidents, illnesses,

and additional problems, such as the spread of water-borne illnesses, electrocution risks, and

wounds from falling debris.

In this study, the researchers delved into the causes and effects of landslides, assessed the

risks, identified vulnerable areas, and proposed mitigation strategies. It involved surveying 20

Uling residents in Naga City and an infographic-based action plan to raise awareness, improve

response coordination, reduce losses, and enhance community resilience in the face of future

landslides.

Based on the results, the researchers found that an overwhelming 85% of the respondents

showed a high level of perceived vulnerability. This emphasizes the significance of creating

awareness and putting policies in place to lessen the effects of geologic risks on local residents.

However, it is encouraging to note the fact that 80% of respondents have a plan in place for their

family's disaster preparedness is positive. This shows that the majority of the population

understands the value of being ready for geologic risks.

Additionally, the most prominent factor that creates landslide prone areas is

illegal logging according to 10 respondents. Moreover, the most notable way to improve
public awareness and preparedness is organizing drills and awareness programs within

the community according to 11 respondents. Lastly, it appears that a significant number

of respondents (6) have no personal experience with landslides.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significant and complex impact of landslides

on communities, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and damage to critical infrastructure. Landslides

are often triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, seismic activity, and human

activities like illegal logging. The research, which involved surveying 20 residents in Naga City,

revealed a high level of perceived vulnerability among the respondents, emphasizing the need for

increased awareness and preparedness.

While the majority of respondents had a family disaster preparedness plan (80%), the

study also highlighted areas for improvement. Many respondents expressed concerns about the

strength of community infrastructure in the face of geologic hazards (60%), and a significant

number had not participated in geological hazard awareness and training programs (65%). This

suggests that there is room for enhancing community resilience and preparedness through

education and infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, the factors making some places more prone to landslides were discussed,

with illegal logging being a primary concern among respondents. The importance of

reforestation, community drills, and awareness programs was underscored as effective measures

to improve public awareness and preparedness for landslide risks.

 The study's findings emphasize the critical need for informed and coordinated efforts to

reduce the impact of landslides on communities. Raising awareness, improving infrastructure,

and engaging with local authorities are essential steps in enhancing community resilience and

minimizing the consequences of geologic hazards.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings, the following are recommended by the researchers:

In-Depth Analysis of Mitigation Strategies: Future researchers should conduct a more

detailed analysis of mitigation strategies to address landslides and other geologic

hazards. Investigate the effectiveness of various approaches, such as reforestation,

infrastructure improvements, and community awareness programs, and identify best

practices for implementation.

Community Engagement: Future researchers should explore strategies for increasing

community engagement in hazard awareness and preparedness programs. This may

involve identifying barriers to participation and developing tailored approaches to

overcome them.

Impact Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of landslides on

communities, including economic, social, and environmental consequences.

Understanding the full extent of the impact can help prioritize mitigation efforts and

resource allocation.

Educational Initiatives: Explore innovative approaches to educate communities about

geologic hazards. This could include the development of interactive educational

materials, digital platforms, and mobile applications to disseminate information

effectively.

Community Feedback: Ensure that future research includes input from community

members and stakeholders to capture their perspectives, needs, and concerns.

Community involvement is essential for the success of any resilience-building initiative.

Expand the scope of the study to a greater number of respondents and let them

carefully and properly answer the questionnaire.

IV. REFERENCES
Websites

Christopher Mele. Landslide Closes Section of Popular Coastal Highway in California .

Retrieved on September 2023 from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/us/big-sur-

landslide-coastal-highway.html

Mgb.gov.ph. City to change road design of landslide prone sitio. Retrieved on

September 2023 from https://r7.mgb.gov.ph/city-to-change-road-design-of-landslide-

prone-sitio/

Ballesteros et al. Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to Hydrometeorological Hazards in

the City of Naga, Cebu, Philippines. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021EGUGA..2310488B/abstract

University of the Philippines Resilience Institute. Assistance during Disasters (Public

Service) – Naga City Landslide. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://resilience.up.edu.ph/projects/assistance-during-disasters-public-service-naga-

city-landslide/

Lagmay et al. Anatomy of the Naga City Landslide and Comparison With Historical

Debris Avalanches and Analog Models. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2020.00312/full
Micole Gerard Tizon. Officials warned of landslide-prone areas in Naga, Cebu, as early

as 2008. Retrieved on October 2023 from https://www.rappler.com/nation/212976-naga-

cebu-officials-warned-of-landslide-prone-areas-in-2008/

Oregon Wild. Logging and Landslides. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://oregonwild.org/forests/learn-about-oregons-forests/logging-landslides

Ruchko Bernabe. Petition to stop quarrying on the mountains of Rodriguez, Rizal.

Retrieved on October 2023 from https://www.change.org/p/mayor-tom-hernandez-

petition-to-stop-quarrying-on-the-mountains-of-rodriguez-rizal

Japanese Red Cross. Philippines: Rescue and relief activities for the landslides in

Southern Leyte Island. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-rescue-and-relief-activities-landslides-

southern-leyte-island

National Park Service. Landslide Hazards. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/lesson-8-landslides-hazards-8704578/

#:~:text=Earthquakes%20are%20a%20major%20cause,casualties%20to%20people

%20and%20property.

Hong et al. Extreme rainfall-induced landslide changes based on landslide susceptibility

in China. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://www.science.gov/topicpages/r/rainfall+induced+landslides#:~:text=Nowadays

%2C%20landslide%20has%20been%20one,increasing%20soil%20pore%20water

%20pressures.

D. Arca. Landslide susceptibility mapping in an area of underground mining using the

multicriteria decision analysis method. Retrieved on October 2023 from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6244970/

Richard Davies. Philippines – Rains Trigger Deadly Landslide in Northern Mindanao.

Retrieved on October 2023 from https://floodlist.com/asia/philippines-northern-

mindanao-october-2022.
 V. DOCUMENTATION

Surveying 3 people on their house Surveying 3 people we saw along the

road

Surveying the owner of a restaurant Surveying 2 people beside their sari-sari

store
Aletheia surveying a woman beside the Surveying a woman beside their
road lemonade stand

The focused area of our study – A

portion of a road in Uling, City of Naga

Surveying the owner of a sari-sari store

Meetings in the Classroom