THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XII warned residents and visitors in the coastal areas of Glan, Sarangani Province, against severe biological hazards from stranded marine life.
The agency advised the public to stay away from shifted shorelines and avoid handling stranded marine life due to the sudden vertical rise of the shoreline following the coastal uplift triggered by the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
DENR XII released the advisory on Wednesday as scientific investigation and assessment of the affected coastal areas remain ongoing.
The coastal uplift exposed previously submerged coral reefs, benthic zones, and marine habitats, leaving dead reef fishes, eels, clams, and shells stranded across the exposed areas.
DENR XII said communities near the newly extended shoreline must vacate immediate coastal zones due to rapid biomass decay.
The public is likewise cautioned against handling, clearing, or salvaging any stranded marine life to prevent personal injury and biological contamination.
The agency further directed the public to stay out of affected intertidal areas until official clearing operations begin.
The Environmental Management Bureau and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have been tasked to carry out coordinated biohazard mitigation and rapid sanitation operations.
Residents are advised to immediately report extreme ground shifts or severe environmental changes to designated regional hotlines: DENR Protected Area Management Office – Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS) through Smart at 09096189917 or Globe at 09953050306.
