High-risk villages told to be vigilant

CEBU, Philippines - With the onset of the rainy season, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has warned those living in high-risk areas to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions to prevent untoward incidents.

PDRRMO chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. particularly called the attention of those living along the landslide-prone Manipis road in Talisay City and the Transcentral highway in Balamban town not to hesitate leaving their homes during heavy downpour.

“Ang responsibility sa safety and awareness naay mga levels – mayor, local government units, and barangays. Ang mga tawo mismo, if they themselves will not do their part, then all will be doomed to perdition. Dili ta maghuwat sa gobyerno nga molihok; dapat kita as citizens naa tay buhaton para sa atong palibot,” he told reporters yesterday.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, some nine to 14 typhoons are projected to affect the country this rainy season, which will run from June to November.

Engineer Jhomer Eclarino, a weather specialist at PAGASA Regional Services Division for Visayas, said even if some of these tropical cyclones will spare the Visayas area, they may still have an “indirect effect” to the region.

The entry of tropical cyclones may enhance the strength of the southwest monsoon or Habagat, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region.

Tribunalo said that during flooding, strong winds and intense rains, classes could be suspended locally if officials deem it fit to ensure the safety of students. The suspension may be done by barangay officials, teachers, and principals.

“Naa tay ginatawag nga localized hazard announcement. Therefore, we can also do localized declaration of no classes. Dili na nato hulaton nga nagbaha na, unya pa paulion ang mga bata,” Tribunalo said.

The PDRRMO chief likewise urged the public to be more responsible with their wastes, saying floods are a result of heavy rainfall, garbage clogging drainage systems, and debris blocking the waterways.

Tribunalo also encouraged the public to hoard water or engage in a continuous water catchment system, which channels rainwater that falls onto a roof into storage through a system of gutters and pipes.

He said a firm called Solid Earth Development Corporation will donate cement for the construction of small water impounding projects designed for soil and water conservation and flood control.

With rainwater collection or harvesting, rainwater that hits the roof is stored and reused. The harvested water can be used as drinking water, longer-term storage and for other purposes such as groundwater recharge.

Tribunalo hopes that this program, with the cooperation of the public, will at least prevent and reduce the detrimental effects of floods in vulnerable areas, especially those near rivers and lakes. —/JMD (FREEMAN)