Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue ready for “Mawar”

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City Rescue (DRRMO) is currently on red alert, in anticipation of Super Typhoon "Mawar” to ensure that all equipment and logistics are in place.

As of yesterday, the DRRMO has delivered 700 relief food boxes to Caubian Island in anticipation of the weather disturbance, in addition to the existing stocked relief food boxes.

Caubian Island is the farthest island barangay of Lapu-Lapu.

So far, the Lapu-Lapu City Rescue has reported no untoward incident related to the forecasted track of Super Typhoon "Mawar," which is expected to accelerate in a west-northwestward direction within the next 12 hours before turning westward.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also held a meeting to discuss plans and preparations for the super typhoon.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan has also directed the DRRMO to monitor all coastal and island barangays, particularly on Olango Island.

The emergency preparedness response team in Olango, which includes Lapu-Lapu City Police, Coast Guard, and Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, has already been activated.

In Mandaue City, the city government has also conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment together with the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Mandaue City Police Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coastguard, Mandaue City Social Welfare Services and Mandaue City Health.

Mayor Jonas Cortes wants to ensure the safety and security of all the Mandauehanons amidst the threat of the said super typhoon.

The City Social Welfare Services has also prepared food packs in case people will be forced to evacuate at the city’s evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense has informed the public that, according to the latest DOST-PAGASA weather forecast, Super Typhoon "Mawar" will not make landfall in the country despite its entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday or Saturday.

“We do not dispense any preparations needed to be taken relative to the weather disturbance, but this is to correct the circulating message on Facebook about the "intense" effects of the super typhoon,” says OCD.

The OCD also enjoins netizens and the public to avoid sharing such messages and lean on trusted agencies for information and requested that everyone use social media responsibly to avoid confusion and panic. — GAN (FREEMAN)