Disaster chief asked: Is Cebu City ready?

CEBU, Philippines —  In the wake of the natural disasters that have ravaged Luzon, a local legislator asks: How prepared is Cebu City for similar occurrences?

City Councilor Alvin Dizon is requesting City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) officer-in-charge Ramil Ayuman to appear before the City Council to present disaster preparedness plan for the city after the onslaught of natural disasters, severe weather, and COVID-19 in different parts of the country, mainly in Luzon.

Dizon said these events have stressed the need to review Cebu City’s disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) protocols and strategies given the present context of a global health crisis.

Likewise, he said there is a need to level up disaster preparedness to cope and respond to the increasing savagery of storms and other natural calamities.

The councilor will sponsor a resolution regarding the matter which will be tackled during the City Council’s next session.

“Super typhoon Rolly (international name Goni), the most powerful typhoon to hit the country recently amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, should awaken our vigilance to prepare for a catastrophic disaster with the twin goal of achieving not only zero casualty, but also zero COVID-19 community transmission, as we conduct our disaster response operations,” said Dizon.

State weather bureau PAGASA had announced the onset of La Niña, which would dump more rain than usual and is expected to persist until the first quarter of 2021 and could trigger floods and landslides.

PAGASA added that five to eight tropical cyclones, most of which are forecast to make a landfall, are also expected to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year.

Mayor Edgardo Labella earlier assured that the city will remain ready in case disaster like typhoons hits the city.

“We are always prepared and we will always do our best,” said Labella during the send-off ceremony held for the team sent to Catanduanes to deliver the assistance from the city last Friday.

“We have enough equipment. Of course, if there’s a need to augment, we have the DPWH and we have also other well-meaning private people, contractors who has the civic duty and commitment to social responsibility,” he said.

The mayor emphasized that preparedness is necessary especially during these times where calamities have been occurring in different parts of the country. — JMD (FREEMAN)