Disaster body to brgys: Prepare for two storms

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has ordered the barangays to intensify emergency preparations because two tropical depressions are coming over the weekend.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak said that even when City Hall is ready to respond to emergencies, they still need the cooperation of barangay volunteers and residents.

"Equipment, gears, and volunteers ready mi at all times mo-respond, pero gi-awhag sad nato ang ubang barangay volunteers nga mo-assist pod during that time," he said.

"Ang mga barangays not only in matter of response, ato sang gi-request nga magtinabangay along with their communities nga maglimpyo na daan sa ilang mga canals ug rivers," he added.

Tumulak, who heads the CCDRRMC, said two low pressure areas (LPAs), named "Inday" and "Jose," have been detected.

"So far si Inday, bungkag naman ni siya. So, hopefully dili lang unta ni mag-converge ang duha. Naa pod ta'y nakit-an nga laing tropical depression nga si Jose.  Mag-ampo lang ta nga unta mabungkag lang ni siya ug dili maka mugna nga lain nasad nga tropical depression," he said.

Tumulak said that Inday might be experienced by Sunday, adding that it has lesser possibility to make landfall than Jose.

"Kini si Jose atong bantayanan kay magsunod ning duha. Atong mga residents ug barangay workers magtinabangay pod sa city government employees pag-clean sa mga creeks and rivers kay baga-baga pod ni siya sa pag-uwan," he said.

He stressed that barangays in the coastal and mountain areas should be watchful, adding that the southwest monsoon would still be strong.

"Pre-evac (evacuate) gyod dayon, dili ta magpa-abot nga naa nay mahitabo especially karong Dominggo, uwan nasad kaayo," he said.

He said the city will be experiencing better weather today, as typhoon Henry is already heading towards northern Luzon. —  (FREEMAN)