5 days ago
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Photo: Senior geophysicist Gavin Elsley, left, geologist Daniel Joseph and senior geologist Xavier Moonan visit the site of the landslide on Royal Engineering Road in Los Iros. (Photo by Rishi Ragoonath).
Radhica De Silva
Senior geoscientist Xavier Moonan is calling for the relocation of farmers and the construction of a new road, as shifting land and gas emissions continue in Los Iros.
Speaking with Guardian Media, Moonan said, “Really, they need to be relocated. They should be given agricultural land and allowed elsewhere to do their business.”
He confirmed that cracks and bubbling have been observed but stopped short of confirming a mud volcano. “We haven’t proven that yet. When we start to see the grey muds coming up, then we’ll have an idea.”
Drone surveys are underway, and Moonan says the ground movement is much greater than in 2018. He explained that similar bubbling then led to a confirmed mud volcano four months later.
Due to the scale of the activity, Moonan said rehabilitation is no longer practical. “It is very clear that the area is just going to continue to move. No significant investment is advised.”
He recommended the revival of a 2018 proposal to build a bypass road through more stable ground.
“It really does not make sense to invest anything into fixing what got damaged,” he said.
Moonan also noted that the coastline appears to be extending again, likely by over 170 metres — more than what was seen in 2018.
Most of the danger zone lies south of the main road, he added, saying relocation to the north would be safer. The Institute of Marine Affairs and other state agencies continue to monitor the area.
English (US) ·