After storm signals are lifted: Classes resume

CEBU, Philippines — Classes will resume in Cebu Province today, December 4, after tropical cyclone signals over the province were lifted yesterday.

“With the lifting of the tropical cyclone wind signal from Cebu, we are now lifting the suspension of classes on all levels for Northern Cebu effective December 4 and the suspension of classes from preschool to elementary levels in Central Cebu are hereby lifted for December 4, as well,” said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday.

Classes also resume in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Talisay City.

However, gale warnings of rough to very rough seas were still in effect as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

Even with the lifting of the storm signals and with northern Cebu now on blue alert status, Garcia said she directed local government units to continue monitoring their areas.

“We are still urging the LGUs to continuously monitor their respective areas of operation,” Garcia said.

The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) also remains in close coordination with local government units and urged them to remain vigilant.

“As of this moment, naningkamot ta ug communicate sa atong local government units but unfortunately naa ta’y duha nga i-contact pa (At this moment, we’re doing our best to communicate with all local government units except for two),” said Rhee Telen of PDRRMC, referring to the towns of Pilar and Poro in Camotes Islands.

No injury or damage was reported yesterday, except for a mango tree that fell to the ground in Asturias town. 

Evacuations

At least 10 local government units in Cebu began their preemptive evacuations last Monday, December 2, 2019 covering 1,488 families or 7,376 individuals in 59 different barangays in Madridejos, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Carmen, Medellin, Sta. Fe, San Francisco, Sogod, Tabogon, Bogo, and Danao City.

All were allowed to return home yesterday, except for 27 families or 135 individuals.

In Region 7, at least 5,000 evacuees were sheltered at evacuation centers.

PRO-7 Director Valeriano de Leon said there were 289 evacuation centers that were prepared across the region for those who would be displaced by Typhoon Tisoy. At least 98 cops were deployed to the centers to assist disaster units.

“We have deployed our search-and-rescue (SAR) teams in all the affected areas as we all aim for a zero casualty.Iba pa yung mga tropa nating nagpapatrolya,” De Leon said.

Colonel Engelbert Soriano, Regional Operations Management Division chief, said 818 SAR personnel were deployed with 1,071 still on standby as of yesterday.

 Stranded

Soriano said a total of 1,083 passengers were stranded in different ports and terminals in the region.

Yesterday, however, the Coast Guard allowed several sea trips to resume, including those heading to and coming from Bohol, from Toledo City to San Carlos City in Negros, from Tabuelan to Escalante in Negros, from San Remigio to Sagay City in Negros, and San Remigio to Santa Fe in Bantayan Island. (FREEMAN)