Cebu braces for “Yolanda”

CEBU, Philippines - Local disaster management councils yesterday started preparing for what is considered a super typhoon that is expected to hit the Visayas area on Friday.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA)-Mactan weather specialist I Nedz Saletrero said the tropical storm over the Caroline Islands with the international name “Haiyan” is expected to enter into the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday morning and expected to make landfall Friday morning in the Eastern Visayas area. The said weather disturbance will be named Yolanda once it enters the country.

“As of now, dili pa gyud ta makasulti kung super typhoon na gyud ni until mosulod na siya diri sa atoa,” she said.

“Yolanda” is expected to hit the northern part of Cebu but Saletrero said that Cebu province, as well as Bohol, will be affected.

Flor Gaviola of the Office of Civil Defense called on the different local government units to already prepare those who are living in high-risk areas for evacuation.

“Kadtong mga nagpuyo sa high-risk areas mu-evacuate na lang g’yud,” she said.

Chairpersons of the respective Local Risk Reduction and Management Council have been directed to identify alternate evacuation centers that are strong enough against typhoons, said Gaviola.

“They are reminded to aim for zero casualty, and proactive ‘ta rather than mag-rescue,” the OCD officer said.

PDRRMC chief Neil Sanchez reminded LGUs that it is their responsibility to have safe evacuation centers for their constituents.

“The thunderstorm advisories are already enough warning for preparation to seek shelter,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez said Governor Hilario Davide III has called for another meeting today with them and the Department of Education so they can give an early advisory if there is a need to suspend classes in the province on Friday. He said work may also be suspended for government agencies if needed.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office has also been regularly coordinating with barangay officials especially with weather and flooding advisories.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak, sitting as chairman of CCDRRMC representing the mayor, said key departments in the city government are on standby especially ambulances and heavy equipment from the engineering office.

The Philippine National Police, as well as Emergency Medical Services that have partnered with the city, such as the Basak Pardo Emergency Response (BPER), Inayawan Rescue Unit, Ang Labangon Emergency Response Team (ALERT), ERUF and Philippine Red Cross, are also on standby.

Police Regional Office 7 director Danilo Constantino has directed unit commanders to check their respective search and rescue equipment and deploy trained personnel when the typhoon strikes. — (FREEMAN)