Zero casualty target

As Samuel crosses over Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities are not leaving anything to chance as tropical depression Samuel crosses Central Visayas.

Yesterday, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III recommended for a preemptive evacuation – if necessary – to secure households particularly those in critical areas.

He said local government units down to the barangay level carry a huge obligation of ensuring the safety of residents and officials are responsible for them.

"Preemptive evacuation is necessary because we can never tell if something might happen... The paramount concern is the safety of residents," Davide told reporters on Tuesday.

Julius Regner, information officer of Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the office has recommended for local government units to enforce forced evacuation for families situated in areas prone to landslide and flooding.

He said disaster officers can ask for help from the police or the military if only to ensure that no family is left behind.

“Either maka-sign sila og waiver or wala, if unsay mahitabo nila ato gihapon nang sagubangon. Problema gihapon na sa LGU ug sa provincial government... If naay casualty, dako nang tulubagon sa disaster officer and same with the mayor. Ilaha gyud nang responsibility," he said.

Regner said all local government units have been directed to put maximum preparations in place, regardless of their distance to the path of the typhoon.

In Cebu City, at least 29 families or 155 individuals in Sitio Sandayong in the mountain barangay of Buhisan have been evacuated as a preemptive measure, said disaster team head Nagiel Bañacia.

Buhisan Captain Gremar Barete said the families are made to stay at the barangay hall.

The families lived near the river, which separates them from a mountain where cracks have been seen and rocks have been falling.

“Sa pagkakaron, mao pa na ang nakit-an nato nga high-risk gumikan sa reported nga cracks sa bukid,” Barete said.

He said families that live near the Buhisan Dam may also be evacuated, depending on the weather conditions.

He said barangay officials have since disseminated information on the possible hazards that may occur during bad weather, considering that the barangay is susceptible to landslides and flash floods.

Alfredo Quiblat, Jr., Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Visayas officer in charge, said Samuel is expected to traverse between Metro Cebu or northern Cebu on Wednesday morning. By afternoon or evening, people can expect improved weather conditions over Cebu.

Response

The Police Regional Office -7 will also continue to monitor landslide-prone areas in the province.

PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas said they are keeping a close eye on Barangay Tinaan in Naga City where the deadly landslide occurred in September.

“Nag red alert ang tanang kapulisan karon, tungod naa ang region sa signal number one, directed na ang tanang pulis to coordinate with local disaster risk reduction councils, which gibantayan ang landslide areas, just in cases, kusog ang ulan pud,” he said.

He said a total of 1,655 search and rescue personnel are on standby for response operations.

“Ready na for deployment and assistance… ang uban, for preempted evacuation mao to ang areas na kahibaw bahaon, ni-volunteer sila to evacuate,” Sinas said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also said the church is also ready to provide assistance, including food, water, and shelter to those who may be affected by the typhoon.

He urged priests in the Archdiocese to use all available resources to help those who may be in need.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District, meanwhile, advised its customers to store water, especially that water supply may be interrupted in the event of power outages and flooding in surface water sources.

Stranded

As of midday yesterday, at least 213 vessels and 1,579 passengers were stranded in Central Visayas owing to the weather disturbance.

Coast Guard - 7 spokesperson Mike Encina said the 213 vessels include 128 rolling cargoes, 74 passenger vessels, and 11 motor bancas.

Of the 1,579 passengers, at least 1,321 are from Cebu and 268 are from Bohol. Those taking shelter at ports have been provided with food and drinks.

"This district continues to render necessary assistance and support to the stranded passengers in connection with the onslaught of Tropical Depression Samuel," the Coast Guard said.

Lapu-Lapu City has already suspended operations of its wharfs. It has advised its residents, particularly those living in islets, not to cross the sea.

Earlier, the city suspended classes in public schools and work in government offices today and tomorrow in line with the city fiesta.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing suspended classes in pre-school up to senior high school.

"Ang tagdumala sa mga private school gihatagan gihapon og katungod sa pagdesisyon kun ila bang ipasuspenso ang klase ugmang adlawa," reads the mayor's advisory.

Classes in Cebu City are also suspended. — With Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Mae Clydyl L. Avila, Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Christell Fatima M. Tudtud, Rowena D. Capistrano (FREEMAN)