Rough seas to greet fluvial parade today

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the threat of big waves, today’s Fiesta Señor fluvial procession will proceed.

“As per information from Commander (Rodolfo) Villajuan, tuloy daw po ang fluvial tomorrow (today),” said Commander Weniel Azcuna, Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas Command chief-of-staff yesterday.

This, despite the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Visayas Director Oscar Tabada cautioning participants against the rough seas.

“Mukusog ang hangin ug dagko ang balud. Wave height in the open sea could reach a maximum of 2.5 meters. Sa Mactan Channel naa gihapon but not high compare to open sea,” Tabada said yesterday afternoon.

In a special forecast for the Sinulog yesterday morning, Tabada forewarned about the inclement weather.

“People are advised to take precautionary measures during the Sto. Niño fluvial procession for a windy and moderate to rough seas. Warnings also for possible flooding during procession on Saturday afternoon and evening,” he said.

Tabada said the projected wind strength for today is at 20 to 35 kilometers per hour, with weather forecast to be overcast with light to moderate rains in the afternoon and moderate to heavy rains in evening.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is reminding the public and the local government units to take precautionary measures against the weather disturbance looming ahead.

PDRRMO Head Balatazar Tribunalo Jr., said that though the track of the tropical storm “Amang” is being monitored to see if it would affect the province or not, necessary measures in anticipation for tropical storm “Amang” should still be undertaken as early as possible.

He said those living in low-lying areas and in danger zones should heed the advice of authorities.

The province’s disaster risk reduction office has been in “full alert” status since yesterday, with Governor Hilario Davide III emphasizing to everyone the need.

Tribunalo further said that everyone should not be complacent this time and that his office targets a zero casualty, unlike what happened at the wake of tropical storm Seniang, which left the province with nine fatalities.

He earlier attributed the number of Seniang fatalities to the public’s complacency.

During the final briefing with Sinulog contingents yesterday, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Chief Jonathan Tumulak advised all participants to be vigilant.

He revealed that some dancing contingents and puppeteers and those joining the floats have already been retouching their props in anticipation of a possible heavy downpour during the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow.

Sinulog Foundation Incorporated executive director Ricky Ballesteros also reminded the contingents to prioritize the safety and security of their members during the street dancing and ritual showdown.

“Do not sacrifice safety of the dancers over artistry,” he said. — Jessa J. Agua, Michael Vencynth H. Braga, Kristine B. Quintas/RHM (FREEMAN)