Cebu City under blue alert status

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City has been placed under blue alert status as of noon yesterday, reflecting heightened preparation and monitoring for the possible impact of Tropical Depression Basyang.

Mayor Nestor Archival convened the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to coordinate response measures.

Following the assessment, barangays were directed to activate their disaster preparedness plans and maintain standby teams.

“Human sa among assessment, gibutang nato ang Cebu City sa Blue Alert Status. Nagpasabot kini nga mas hugot ang monitoring ug andam ta motubag kung adunay emerhensiya. Gi-direct usab nako ang tanang barangay nga i-activate ang ilang disaster preparedness plans ug magpabiling naka-standby,” Archival said in a post.

Disaster response units have been strategically deployed in both the North and South districts, with equipment and supplies pre-positioned for rapid mobilization.

The mayor emphasized that collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to safeguarding lives and property.

The Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 3 issued by PAGASA at 11 a.m. reported that Tropical Depression Basyang was located east of Mindanao, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

The system is moving west-southwestward and is forecast to make landfall over eastern Mindanao by Thursday evening before crossing the Visayas and emerging over the Sulu Sea by Saturday.

PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds that may affect areas beyond the landfall point.

Gale warnings were raised over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao, with sea travel deemed risky for all types of vessels.

The city’s resident meteorologist, Engr. Oscar Tabada, issued a localized forecast for Cebu City and the province covering February 4 to 5.

Skies were noted to be mostly cloudy yesterday with minimal rainfall, but conditions are expected to worsen by Thursday.

Experts warned that flash floods and landslides are possible during periods of heavy rain.

City officials reiterated that the blue alert status is a proactive measure to heighten vigilance and ensure a rapid response.

The public is urged to monitor official advisories, heed instructions from local authorities, and cooperate in community-level preparedness efforts. — (FREEMAN)