The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is coordinating with local governments in Mindanao to assess potential threats from coastal uplift affecting nearby communities.
Warning Against Construction on New Coastal Areas
Previously, the agency warned the public to avoid building any structures on newly emerged coastal uplift areas, which are portions of the coastline that rose following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
According to DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Assistant Secretary Karlo Queaño, the Philippines faces a complex situation due to active tectonic movements and frequent sea level rise. He noted that sea level rise on the eastern seaboard occurs three times more often than the global average, making it likely that the sea will eventually reclaim or swallow the beaches left behind after the coastal uplift.
Potential Flood Threats
The DENR also warned that the ground movements could create new flood threats by altering river flows. Queaño explained that if a river previously flowing to the sea is suddenly blocked by an uplifted coastline, it will be forced to find a new path. If the water diverts toward residential areas or houses, residents could be at risk.
Queaño said the agency and the Office of Civil Defense are closely monitoring affected areas and conducting thorough hazard assessments to ensure resident safety.
