Thousands moved to safer shelters throughout Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City evacuated its constituents to safety early yesterday by transferring 1,230 families, or 5,651 individuals, to 24 evacuation centers.

The residents would stay in the centers as long as there is still the threat of typhoon Yolanda, which gained speed on its way to hit the central portions of the country, including Cebu

In the City of Naga, as early as 9 p.m. last Wednesday, more than 200 families from the coastal areas have left their homes to stay at the city gymnasium, which provide better protection from the expected onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

 Garry Cabotaje, the city’s public information officer-designate, said 150 families, which comprises 349 individuals, who settled in the city’s gymnasium are “mostly members of the Ati tribe in South Poblacion”.

He said 50 more families, or 108 persons, from Barangays Tinaan and Central Poblacion have also transferred to the city’s covered badminton court.

The city the other day encouraged residents, especially those living in upland and coastal areas, to evacuate to safer areas before the typhoon strikes and wreck havoc.

 Mayor Valdemar Chiong has already issued a memorandum ordering the suspension of work (half-day) yesterday and whole day today (Friday) because of the typhoon.

Meanwhile, in Talisay City, Mayor Johnny De los Reyes is not taking chances and adopted precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents.

He advised barangay officials, especially those of the coastal areas, to warn constituents, especially those living in flood-prone areas to stay alert.

A 24-hour command center was already set up at the City Mayor’s Office yesterday.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management council has identified barangays Tangke, Cansojong, Poblacion, Pooc, Biasong and Dumlong as prone to sea waves damage.

The city also identified landslide-prone barangays that include Lagtang, Jaclupan, Campo Kuatro, and Manipis.

In Cebu City, Barangay Luz Elementary School classrooms were made as temporary homes of 161 families composed of 1,084 individuals, as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday.

As of press time last night, authorities were force evacuating 1,200 people living along the Mahiga Creek and transporting them to the Mabolo Elementary School covered court.

Using megaphones, the City Project Reduce Danger Zones (REDZ), led by its chairman Atty. Jose Daluz, and City Attorney Jerone Castillo initially urged the said residents to voluntarily move to safer grounds, especially that there is the threat of the creek to overflowing.

Their calls were ignored, forcing the City’s hand.  Two trucks of the City Department of Public Services brought the evacuated residents of Sitios San Isidro and Lahing-lahing to Mabolo Elementary School.

At the Abellana National School, 200 individuals from Sawang Calero were given shelter while 243 other families (403 individuals) were moved to the San Nicolas Sports Complex.  Sapangdaku Barangay Hall, on the other hand, became the temporarily home of 10 families; Guadalupe Sports Complex, five  families; Suba barangay gym, 238 families (1561 individuals); Pasil Elementary School, 223 families; Pasil Night School, 130 families (750 individuals); Ermita barangay gym, 18 families (109 individuals); Inayawan barangay gym, 23 families (158 individuals); Sawang Calero sports complex, 293 families; Banawa Elementary School, seven families. 

The Cebu City Hall Legislative Building also served as temporary shelter for 34 individuals who got stranded after their ships bound for Leyte, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro City were barred from leaving Pier 3 because of the typhoon.  (FREEMAN)