Mandaue prepares for ‘Ineng’s’ effects

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has doubled its manpower and resources as it braces for the possible effects of Typhoon Ineng in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.

Though the typhoon is forecasted not to directly hit the Visayas, the state weather bureau said thunderstorms and heavy rains are still expected to affect the region.

With this, CDRRMO has deployed its emergency responders in different staging areas while its heavy equipment are on standby.

The disaster management office has also advised all barangay officials, especially those in flood-prone areas, to be alert, especially when heavy rains pour over the city.

CDRRMO chief, Felix Suico, said they have also designated M.C. Briones Street as an alternate route in case Plaridel Street going to Ouano Avenue will be flooded during the APEC meetings.

Plaridel Street and Ouano Avenue are a part of the route where the delegates will pass through.

"Ang bahaon diha (sa M.C. Briones) ang Tipolo, pero mas dali siya mo-subside," Suico said.

Suico said there will be re-routing of vehicles if floods will affect the route going to the APEC meetings.

The delegates will also be moved to big vehicles, such as tourist buses, if they will be caught in the middle of the flood. The delegates' escorts will inform the disaster management office if their vehicles are affected by flood.

The APEC organizing committee has prepared 35 buses for the delegates' use, according to Suico.

The committee has also identified evacuation areas in case an earthquake will strike. One of the identified evacuation areas in Mandaue is Cebu International Convention Center's parking lot.

Suico said he already sent a letter of request to the Cebu Provincial Capitol asking for the use of the CICC when an earthquake strikes. The Capitol already approved of the request.

Suico also said the APEC meetings will be cancelled if Typhoon Ineng will affect the province. He said if the meetings have not yet started but floods are already affecting some areas, the delegates will have to remain in their hotels.

"For baha, di' gyod nato sila pagawson kon naa na sila's hotel kay ang kanang sa Radisson ra ba, ang dalan nga agianan pulos ra ba gyod na bahaan," Suico said.

Suico said they are also concerned with the welfare of the residents living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, aside from the safety of the delegates.

He advised the residents to monitor their area as weather forecast of Typhoon Ineng shows that heavy downpour is expected.

Ineng (international name "Goni") is expected to make landfall in Batanes  today or Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services  said yesterday.

The typhoon maintained its strength but slowed down due to the presence of a high pressure area as moves towards extreme Northern Luzon.

At 10 a.m. yesterday, it was located 375 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 180 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 215 kph. It continues to move westward at 13 kph.

Public storm warning signals were already up in some north Luzon areas.

Ineng will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat" which will bring occasional rains over western Luzon and Metro Manila on Thursday until early next week, according to the weather bureau.

The typhoon is forecasted to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday and will then track toward Japan. (FREEMAN)