Readiness urged for possible storm

CEBU, Philippines - Anticipating the weather disturbance that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this week, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council called on the public anew to be vigilant and prepared.

The CCDRRMC called for an emergency meeting yesterday with Councilor David Tumulak highlighting the need for preparedness owing to the possibility of the low pressure area developing into a tropical depression.

Several towns in southern Cebu are still reeling from the effects of tropical depression Queenie, which dropped heavy rains last week.

“Gi-monitor nato siya as early as now kay iyang movement man gud is paspas man. Iyang formative stage is similar to typhoon Yolanda, Pablo, and Sisan katong pag 1987,” he said.

Despite this initial assessment, Tumulak said there is still the possibility that the LPA will dissipate.

“Mosulod sa PAR murag Saturday pero daghan pa na og changes maong mag-ampo lang gyod ta nga dili gyod mahimo og bagyo ug mahilis lang siya sama sa katong tropical depression,” he said.

Barangay disaster risk reduction teams have been instructed to monitor weather updates. As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was eyed at the Western Pacific.

“Wala gyoy komo kon mangandam ta. Ang gibuhat nato karon nga bisan og layo pa na siya, nag-inventory nata sa atong rescue equipment, manpower, double check sa evacuation centers, medicines, food packs, water,” he said.

He emphasized that the announcement is only meant for residents here to be at the ready.

“Dili ni pasabot nga magpaalarma sa mga tao, ang atoa lang kay nakasuway nata sa Yolanda. Ang atoa is andam lang ta kanunay,” he said.

Mayor Michael Rama agrees.

“It is better to be over prepared than under prepared… anyway when it will come, we are prepared, may not be fully prepared,” he said.

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command has prepared its men for possible humanitarian and disaster rescue operation. (FREEMAN)