Geosciences Division conducts VRA, Groundwater Assessment in Palanan, Isabela

by: Lyndee Rose S. Basilio

The Geosciences Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau R0II recently conducted a Vulnerability Risk Assessment (VRA), Groundwater Assessment, and Coastal Geohazard Mapping and Survey at Palanan, Isabela last April 18-30, 2017.

A team of Geologists, geologic aide and database management officer which were divided in to three groups conducted said assessments.

The groundwater resource assessment is one of the major activities of MGB which aims to determine the groundwater availability and to describe aquifer/s in the area.

On the other hand, the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) aims to identify the geohazard present and to quantify the risk for each type of elements affected and to produce exposure maps which can be used for the disaster mitigation programs and urban planning by the Local Government Units (LGUs).

The team responsible for the conduct of Groundwater assessment gathered data within each barangay by recording the pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), conductivity, salinity, temperature, and depth of water table.

While the VRA team gathered data as to flooding and landslide taking into consideration the population affected in the area. The team likewise gathered data as to the number of households and gender of population residing in the area.

With the aim to determine the actual shoreline erosion for the past years, the team conducted Coastal Geohazard Mapping and Survey at barangays Culasi, Maligaya, San Isidro, and Didaddungan, Palanan, Isabela.

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on National Geohazard Assessment and Mapping Program was likewise conducted with the participation of 17 barangays. The IEC campaign was held at Angel Bernardon Memorial Coliseum, Palanan, Isabela. –  With reports from GSD