Tropical Cyclone “Agaton” left an enormous damage to the Suague Riverbank located at Barangay Bangac in the Municipality of Mina. The storm caused scour which greatly affects the residents living near the area. It also changed the natural path or course of the river which poses threat or danger to the Maestral residence near the Suague River. A site inspection was conducted by the staff of the Municipal Engineering Office right after the typhoon. They reported the current situation in the area and provided recommendations to the higher authority. The Iloilo Provincial Government augmented by providing equipment such as bulldozer in the rechanneling activity, and technical assistance through Engr. Fermin Pasolot of the Provincial Engineering Office for more thorough site inspections and validations. Engr. Pasolot together with Atty. John Michael T. Defensor (incoming Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Mina), Hon. Arnel C. Matta [re-elected Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member of the municipality] and Mr. Roy M. Gonzales (Administrative Assistant V of the Municipal Engineering Office) had a meeting for the possible mitigation strategies to minimize the risks and to keep the Maestral families safe and secured in the area.Mr. Gonzales said that they have already started yesterday in rechanneling the Suague River to return it to its original course. The collected silts and gravel from the rechanneling area will be moved to the left portion of the riverbank in order to ensure the free-flow of water in the river.
