Brgy. Taguanao In Cagayan De Oro; Natural Hazards and Geological Features

Taguanao has steep hills and is close to the Cagayan River, making it a risky place for landslides. When it rains a lot, the soil can soften, loosen, and slide down because some trees have been cut down and the land isn’t always properly used. 

Taguanao is near a crack in the Earth’s surface, called the Philippine Fault Zone. This makes it possible for earthquakes to happen, shaking the ground and causing landslides.

One of the biggest earthquakes in the region happened in 1924, causing strong shakes across Northern Mindanao. More recently, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 2023 reminded everyone how shaky the ground can be in this area. People in Taguanao are encouraged to be prepared for natural disasters to stay safe during heavy rains or earthquakes. 

Taguanao has no volcanoes or plate boundaries. Philvolcs mentioned that Cagayan de Oro has no fault line, but the Tagoloan River Fault, however, exists. 

Considering if Taguanao could’ve had a fault line, the barangay will be a dangerous area to stay since it is prone to landscapes, endangering its people. Ground displacement (also known as ground movement) along a fault is the second major earthquake hazard; buildings, roads, etc. that are constructed across a fault may be severely damaged or torn apart by the ground displacement that occurs during an earthquake. 

If Taguanao could’ve had plate boundaries, whether past one another, collide, or separate; if collisions occur, the strongest landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions might occur as well, which mainly happen in subduction zones.

Taguanao has a landscape that tells an ancient story. The ground here is mostly Indahag limestone, formed millions of years ago when this area was a part of a vast ocean. Mixed in are traces of volcanic ash and debris, adding a fiery twist to its marine past. 

The terrain is full of character, ranging from low, flat riverbanks just a few meters above sea level to hilly areas that climb up to 325 meters. The soil shifts with the landscape—clay-loam covers the higher, greener spots, while the riverbanks carry lighter, silty soil, shaped by years of flowing water. It's a natural blend of history and scenery that’s both rugged and peaceful.