Classes remained suspended

CEBU, Philippines - Classes remained suspended in all levels today in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay as well as across the province as authorities are still monitoring the effects of Storm Pablo.  

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that classes in the city will continue to be suspended today to give time to those who were evacuated to settle down.

Even if “Pablo” already passed Cebu, he said there is no guarantee that rains and strong winds will be gone.

“PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) said that from now until tomorrow morning, we are likely to experience continuous rain and strong wind,” Rama said.

The mayor, however, lifted the suspension of work at the City Hall. He suspended works at City Hall at 2 p.m. yesterday due to the bad weather.

Section 455 of the Local Government Code empowers local government units to suspend works if necessary.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council remained on alert today.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday issued Executive Order No. 66 suspending classes in all levels in the province today.

In her order, Garcia authorized local chief executives, particularly in flood-prone or high-risk areas, to cancel classes and government works.

No major effects of the typhoon have been reported in the province although the Capitol has activated a 24-hour action center.

Gwen tweets

Last night, Garcia tweeted that a 44-year-old woman was killed when she was hit by a fallen tree in Boljoon, where 400 people evacuated to higher ground due to flooding.

 At least four houses were washed out by huge waves also in the town.

The governor also tweeted that 1,500 people were evacuated due to big waves in San Fernnando town while some roads were impassable in Ginatilan town due to fallen trees.

Evacuation

Over 400 families or 1,000 individuals were evacuated to safer grounds along the coastline of Cebu City due to Typhoon Pablo.

Officials of the coastal barangays of Suba, Pasil, Ermita, Sawang Calero and Cogon-Pardo ordered forced evacuation of their residents due to strong waves spawned by strong winds.

Barangay Suba Captain Roger Resurreccion ordered the forced evacuation of 279 families or 663 individuals along the coast starting 11 a.m. after noticing a collapse in the sea wall. Evacuees were sheltered at the Suba Sports Complex.

Ermita Captain Tonette Flores also ordered the evacuation of some 30 families in Bato Ermita due to large waves. The barangay’s sports complex and chapel served as the evacuation centers.

Barangay Sawang Calero officials advised families along the coastal area to evacuate since the morning yesterday, but only 20 families heeded.

In Pasil, 100 individuals were also evacuated to safer grounds while Cogon-Pardo officials ordered the residents along the coast to seek shelter for the night at the Cogon-Pardo Sports Complex and Chapel after some houses lost their roofs to the strong winds.

In the mountain barangay, Sudlon I evacuated some 297 individuals whose houses are made of light materials.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said strong winds were battering Sudlon I, which is the peak of Cebu City’s mountainous terrain. The barangay also lost power.

The city government through the social welfare and services department distributed food packs to barangays with evacuees. They also sent meals to the hundreds of passengers stranded in the pier area.  (FREEMAN)