MindaNews » Logging, mining blamed for recent flood in Jabonga.

By Erwin Mascariñas
February 21, 2012

BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews/20 February) – Logging and mining activities around Lake Mainit and its nearby areas were major factors in the recent flood that hit Jabonga town in Agusan del Norte, the town mayor and an environment group said.

Mayor Glicerio M. Monton acknowledged that these activities have caused siltation in the river which channels water from the lake into the sea.

“The major river that traverses Jabonga has been silted to the point that it has even diverted from its original route. Before it would take three or more days of nonstop rains to start flooding, now flood waters will immediately rise in just three hours,” said Monton.

He added that while the townsfolk have become used to flooding for decades now and have become resilient, it was a gradual process for them.

“Last year the major flood that swallowed the entire town for two months was a huge eye opener. Last week the water rose so fast that people who were used to flooding panicked,” the mayor said.

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