Possible landslides, flashfloods: Cebu braces for ‘Usman’

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has warned of possible landslides and flashfloods if Tropical Depression “Usman” maintains its pace.

The 21st cyclone to enter the country this year, Usman became almost stationary early Friday afternoon and as of yesterday has poured 5mm of rain, which is equivalent to 5,000 barrels of water.

It was expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar last night and would bring heavy rains in the Bicol region and the rest of the Visayas.

PDRRMO spokesperson Julius Regner urged families and residents of affected areas to take precautionary measures and brace themselves for possible landslides and flashfloods.

“Dako ang posibilidad, kay we know that the Northern part of Cebu is a coastal area, and elevated gamay, so the possibility is naa gyud na,” Regner said.

Early warning signs have been issued to prepare local government units to execute preemptive evacuations for those living in vulnerable areas.

Usman has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kilometers per hour.

Signal Number 1 has been raised in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, and Northern Negros Occidental.

Cancelled Trips

The coast guard has cancelled sea trips, particularly in the Visayas area.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, a total of 17,315 passengers have been stranded nationwide, while 1,443 rolling cargoes, 116 sea vessels, and 24 motorboats are stranded at ports.

In Bicol, 6,586 passengers are stranded.

In Visayas, a total of 7,457 passengers are stranded, with 4,091 passengers coming from Eastern Visayas.

The passengers are expected to be stranded until Saturday or Sunday morning when Usman is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Following the unauthorized travel of a motor boat carrying a priest in San Remigio, Regner urged the public to report any unauthorized trips. The motor boat had to be rescued while on its way to Bantayan Island.

In Bantayan Town, DRRM officer Mario Pacana said the biggest threats are big waves and the possibility of a storm surge. He said vehicles are on the ready in the event of an evacuation.

In Daanbantayan, DRRM officer Lani Dublin said schools are ready to accommodate evacuees. Resources are also in place and are ready to use.

Cops Ready

Despite many of its personnel deployed in Negros Oriental for the Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the Police Regional Office – 7 assured that enough personnel are in Cebu for possible search and rescue operations.

“We still have reserve forces from the Regional Mobile Force Batallion that can respond to stations that may be seriously affected by typhoon Usman,” said PRO-7 spokesperson Aurora Rayos.

She said PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas has issued a memorandum for all commanders to account and prepare available search and rescue equipment.

Personnel of the Cebu City Police Office are also ready for deployment, said Cebu City Police Director Royina Garma.

All station commanders have been directed to coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices.

“Wala’y problema. Nakaalerto ang pulis. Cancelled ang breaks, mas nagiging alerto because may bagyo… ang City Mobile Force Company in charge sa pag-response anytime, including police stations,” she said.

Provincial Police Office Director Manuel Abrugena also said his men are ready for possible response.

In Cebu City, CCDRRMO chief Nagiel Bañacia said the disaster teams in the 80 barangays here have been activated.

He urged barangay disaster teams to continue monitoring weather updates even if southern Cebu is not in the path of Usman. — John Kendrick P. Ceciban, USJ-R Intern, JMO (FREEMAN)