Big waves cancel 3 ships' trips

CEBU, Philippines - Three ships cancelled their scheduled trips due to bad weather yesterday.

Cebu Coast Guard Station Chief, Commander Rolando Punzalan Jr. said that around noon yesterday, the Aznar company cancelled the trip of the M/V Fast Craft 2, which travels from Toledo City to San Carlos City. An hour later Supercat 30, also declared cancellation.

Added to their assessment for the final declaration was the attempt of Ocean Jet 8 to leave around 2 p.m. yesterday but it decided to come back and declared cancellation at 3:45 pm.

“We just want to clarify that hindi lang ang safety ang tinitingnan ng mga master natin po dito kun di pati na rin po ang convenience ng mga passengers po natin,” he said.

When asked if the waves yesterday were comparable to those generated by typhoon Gener, Punzalan said that yesterday’s waves were weaker by a certain degree.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to be on alert for typhoon Helen.

Rama said that no matter how weak Helen appears, the city should not be complacent as it can change course and strength anytime.

He said the winds and rains it may bring to the Visayas might cause flooding, landslides and other disasters.

The mayor met his quick response team yesterday to give orders.

Several streets in Cebu City are always flooded during heavy rains. Uphill areas also experience landslide occasional or during incessant rain.

The administration of Rama believes that a comprehensive drainage plan for Cebu City will solve the flooding. Yesterday, he reiterated his disappointment when millions of pesos on his proposed budget that was supposedly for drainage project was slashed by the City Council.

Rama said his administration is serious in evacuating residents or removing them from danger areas like the riverbanks and landslide-prone areas to prevent loss of lives during calamities. 

–(FREEMAN)