FIREMEN inspect a river to detect possible overflow at the height of tropical storm ‘Basyang’ in Minglanilla, Cebu. (BFP-Minglanilla)
CEBU CITY – “Basyang” has weakened from a tropical storm to tropical depression but officials here are not taking any chances.
This city will remain on a heightened alert until Basyang exits Central Visayas, said Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC).
Tumulak said heavy rains continue to pose a threat to flood and landslide-prone areas. He said the CCDRRMC will remain on red alert status to ensure public safety.
The weather disturbance did not cause significant damage. Tumulak said emergency personnel were prepositioned across eight strategic areas, a strategy that was taken after the city suffered heavy damage from typhoon ‘’Tino’’ last November.
Never mind that we overprepared as long as the people will be safe, Tumulak said. Rescue teams, equipment, and manpower remain on standby, Tumulak added.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) remains on heightened alert. All personnel were not allowed to file a leave of absence and instructed to closely monitor their areas.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7, said equipment needed to respond to emergencies were deployed as part of preparations and accounting of personnel, mobility assets, and logistical resources were conducted.
Maranan added that all police units in Cebu and Bohol conducted 24/7 monitoring and preemptive deployment in communities vulnerable to flooding.
“Our personnel, logistical resources, and mobility assets are in place to ensure swift response and effective assistance. We urge the public to remain vigilant, heed official advisories, and cooperate with authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.”