Heavy rains to hit Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - At least 13 sea vessels were prevented by the Coast Guard Station Cebu from traveling to their destinations yesterday due to tropical depression “Ofel.”

As of last night, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised signal number 1 over Cebu, Camotes Islands, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Bohol, Dinagat Surigao Provinces, Agusan Provinces, Camiguin Island and Misamis Oriental.

PAGASA Mactan chief Oscar Tabada warned the public that heavy rains will pour over Cebu and the rest of the Visayas starting tonight.

Vessels not allowed to navigate were the M/BCA Cristina-3 (Bantayan, Cebu to Sagay, Negros Oriental), M/BCA Balt Bep Dream (Bantayan, Cebu to Estancia, Iloilo), M/BCA Hebrewelah, M/BCA Destiny-1 and M/BCA Kim Nirvana (Pilar, Camotes Island to Ormoc City), M/C Melrivic-2 (Danao City to Isabel,Leyte), LCT Mabuhay (Carmen, Cebu to Punta, Leyte), MV Mika Mariv (Danao City to Consuelo, Camotes), LCT Navistar (Mandaue City to Hindang, Leyte), M/V St. Baraquiel, M/V Weesam-7 and M/V Lite Ferry 8 (Pier 4, Cebu City to Ormoc City) and LCT San Juan Bautista (Tangil, Dumanjug to Basak, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental).

“Ofel” will make landfall today in Leyte, bringing strong winds at 55 kilometers per hour.

 Red alert

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) was on red alert starting yesterday as the country braces for the onslaught of “Ofel.”

NDRRMC executive director Benito T. Ramos said various regional and municipal disaster agencies particularly in central and southern Philippines have been directed to undertake precautionary measures.

Ramos said the Philippine Coast Guard was also directed to warn small boats and fishing boats to not venture out to sea.

PAGASA warned of possible flashfloods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal 1, as Ofel was expected to dump five to 15 millimeters per hour (moderate to heavy) of rain within 400-km diameter.

“Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the eastern seabords of southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao due to Tropical Depression Ofel and the northeast monsoon,” PAGASA added.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday reminded fishermen in the Visayas and Mindanao not to sail out to sea because they might encounter rough seas as a result of Ofel.

The storm is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility this coming Friday or Saturday. – With Philippine Star News Service/LPM (FREEMAN)