RDCC ready for typhoons

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council-7 chairman and Police Regional Office-7 director assured preparedness and readiness against typhoons during the rainy season.

“We are prepared and we are ready to respond,” said Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez in yesterday’s media briefing which kicked off the first day of the month-long celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Aiming for a zero casualty, Nerez said that they already set up measures in areas in the region that are prone to flooding and landslides. The RDCC is also closely monitoring riverbanks prone to flooding.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration, the country gets an average of 21 to 22 typhoons a year. It said this year’s rainy season also brings the threat of La Niña.

Weather specialist Meyma Casilagan said that this month alone, the country can expect two to three tropical cyclones; August, two to three storms; and September, three to four storms.

Nerez said that in Cebu, they are monitoring the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cotcot River in Compostela, Guindarohan River in Minglanilla, Valladolid River and Luwan-luwan River in Carcar City, Butuanon River and Mahiga River in Mandaue City, Lahug River in Cebu City, Cansaga River in Consolacion, and the coastal areas in Talisay City.

The monitored rivers in Bohol are the rivers of Loboc River, Inabanga, Abatan River in Cortes, Manaba River in Garcia-Hernandez, Ipil River in Trinidad, Mag-aso River in Antequera, and Hanopol River in Balilihan.

The RDCC is also monitoring rivers in Negros Oriental such as Tibyawan River in Tayasan, Pagatban River in Basay-Bayawan boundaries, Bayawan River in Bayawan City, Sicopong River in Sta. Catalina, Siaton River and Canaway River in Siaton, Tanjay River in Tanjay City, and Libertad River in La Libertad.

“We are monitoring water levels in these areas and residents living near these riverbanks have already been advised to be on their guard at all times against the possible risk of flooding,” Nerez disclosed.

Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to evacuate immediately in case water levels rise to danger levels. In case they refuse, the police will be forced to evacuate them, Nerez he said.

To start the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month, a Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Chapel at 7 a.m. on Monday to be followed by a motorcade. Various seminars and fora, and earthquake and fire drills will also be held.   (FREEMAN NEWS)