#BasyangPH Proactive response helped save lives

CEBU, Philippines - The proactive response of the local governments units helped save lives in southern Cebu during tropical storm Basyang, said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

PDRRMO chief Neil Sanchez said the LGUs were able to maintain a feedback mechanism and heeded the advice for preemptive evacuation.

“Dako nga natabang sa atong mga LGUs… proactive kaayo sila (Our LGUs were very proactive. It helped them a lot),” Sanchez said.

Basyang dumped heavy rains across the central part of the country, which triggered flashfloods and landslide in some areas in Southern Cebu.

A total of 708 families in Talisay City, Naga City, Carcar City, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Dalaguete, Liloan, Compostela, and Asturias town were evacuated before Basyang could make landfall evening on January 31.

Five people, however, were not too fortunate.

The dead body of Danny Tundag, 24, was recovered from a capsized M/V Ave Maria 5 in Poro, Camotes.

Allan Cris Degino, 14, was rushed to the Malabuyoc District Hospital but died hours later after a part of land slipped and covered him.

Jose Babatid, 22, and Vincent Jayme, five, died of electrocution.

Big waves killed Anthony Collarte, 63, while he was heading to shore on board his banca. His body was seen floating near Barangay Sulangan in Bantayan island.

In its latest report, PDRRMO recorded 58 houses that were damaged partially and one house that was damaged severely in Talisay City.

The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) has already extended food provision for those affected by the typhoon in Asturias.

“But as to the fatalities, maghuwat pa ta sa recommendation sa mga municipalities kung manginahanglan ba silag assistance. Municipality pa man gyod na una (We would have to heed the advice of the municipalities where there were casualties if they would need our assistance),” PSWDO chief Evelyn Senajon said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported that damage on livestock has reached P2.9 million.

As of January 30, Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy reported that the number of dead animals increased from 48 to 58.

She warned that dead animals are not safe for human consumption and have to be buried immediately.

“It was found out that bacterial infection has been the major cause of the death of these animals,” she said.

The province also gave out antibiotics, vitamins and minerals for the animals in the affected areas in Balamban town.

“Advise lang namo nga mag-provide ug shelter para sa mga animals (We advise that they provide a shelter for the animals),” she added. –/JMO (FREEMAN)