Fire and then Rain causes landslide

During a phone interview with Dengokl about indiscriminate burning in Babeldaob, he had indicated that vegetation provides a natural filtration system that prevents most of the sediments from getting into the coastal waters.  Further, the vegetation helps the land retain water; and prevents the land from becoming arid.Moreover, Dengokl had stated that the indiscriminate burning practices exposes the land to wind, the sun, and rain and makes the land susceptible to uncontrolled erosion – and possibly landslides.Dengokl’s predictions have come true.  A side of the junction that connects Ngardmau, Ngaraard, and Ngiwal collapsed last Tuesday night – a landslide that has blocked half of the road towards Ngaraard.The side of the road that collapsed was burned months earlier to bare ground.  Much of the vegetation on it was turned to ash and little has grown on it since.The recent rains had saturated the ground and had caused the side of the road to collapse onto the road.The chief of the Road and Equipment of the Ministry of Resources and Development, Joe Reklai, and EQPB personnel were at the site yesterday to make initial assessments of damages caused as a result of the landslide.According to Reklai, work to clear the mud and debris from the road will be bided out to private contractors. He further added that prospective contractors have visited the site and will submitting their bids for review.Reklai said that work on the collapsed side of the road would begin as soon as a bid is awarded.  In the meantime, he urges the public to drive safely – not just on the junction – but also on any part of the Compact Road.“The road is wet and can be very slippery,” Reklai said, “and motorist must be very mindful when passing through sections of the road that run through cut hills, which have the potential collapse during rain.”