THE prolonged and heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Lannie” kept the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) of the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay busy Monday,
Oct. 4, 2021.
They responded to landslide and flooding alerts but fortunately did not receive reports of human deaths or injuries.
Lannie, with maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph, had landfalls in Liloan and Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., and then in Mahanay Island, Talibon, Bohol at 12:30 p.m., and finally in Banacon Island, Jetafe, Bohol at 12:45 p.m.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Lannie is expected to make another landfall in northern Palawan or Calamian Islands Tuesday morning, Oct. 5.
The Coast Guard Station Central Cebu suspended at 5 p.m. Monday sea trips for all types of vessels plying the areas of Cebu Province.
It had placed Cebu under Signal No. 1.
Talisay
In Talisay City, the DRRMO had to deal with several reports of landslides, which resulted from rains since Saturday, Oct. 2.
Six families had to be evacuated in anticipation of landslides in Barangay Jaclupan.
The stretch of Manipis Road from Jaclupan to Barangay Campo 4 was closed to vehicular traffic because of the landslides in the area.
Mandaue
In Mandaue City, the DRRMO monitored the swelling of Butuanon River and the communities around it.
Emergency vehicles and rescue teams were on standby. Fortunately, Mandaue City DRRMO chief Buddy Alain Ybañez said, they did not receive reports of untowards incidents.
Ybañez said the DRRMO coordinated with the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) in monitoring the roads that were flooded causing heavy traffic.
Lapu-Lapu
In Lapu-Lapu City, about 100 people were able to cross from the Angasil Wharf to Olango Island when it was still safe.
Nagiel Banacia, Lapu-Lapu DRRMO chief, said that in the afternoon of Monday, no vessel was allowed to cross the seas anymore.
Cebu City
In Cebu City, landslides were reported in Barangays Buhisan, Lahug and Sirao but no one was reported injured, DRRMO chief Ramil Ayuman said.
Cebu City police were on alert to respond to calls for help, Cebu City Police Office deputy director for operation Wilbert Parilla said. (REV, KFD, GCM, PAC, AYB )