Declogging, desilting to continue

CEBU, Philippines — Acting Cebu City mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has ordered a continuing desilting and declogging of waterways to avoid flooding, in anticipation of heavy rains.

He ordered the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) and the City's Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to do so after receiving reports that a second low pressure area (LPA), which is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), plus a shear line or tail end of the cold front, could possibly bring more rains to Cebu.

The city is currently experiencing rains due to typhoon Kabayan.

The City's PIO reported that in a meeting with Garcia and other department heads,  Engr. Oscar Tabada, retired weather specialist and CCDRRMO consultant, said that due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, there is a possibility that the LPA could gain more strength before it enters the PAR.

“Panahon sa El Niño, mga grabe kakusgan ang bagyo kay layo pa gani na-develop na,” Tabada said.

Aside from clearing the city’s waterways, Garcia also told City Hall officials to remain on high alert.

“Kahibawo man ta nga nigawas ug nitumaw nga naa tay bagyo (Kabayan), but apparently, low pressure area nalang. So we expect moderate to heavy rains on Saturday (yesterday), Sunday (today) and even on Monday (tomorrow),” Garcia said.

He already met with representatives from the various utility firms in the city for contingencies just in case the weather turns for the worse during the weekend.

“Ako sang hanyo sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga prepare also. They should check with their families and their belongings and make sure that they are secure,” Garcia also said.

The Association of Barangay Councils headed by City Council ex-officio member Franklyn Ong is likewise expected to do its own preparations.  — (FREEMAN)