THE Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) called on barangay officials to identify evacuation sites in their areas as Tropical Storm “Butchoy” makes its way to the country Tuesday evening.
CCDRRMO chief Nagiel Banacia said these evacuation areas should provide for basic needs like water. He said Mayor Tomas Osmeña plans to set up more disaster brigades and training based on the experience learned by Cebu local governments during the Yolanda devastation of 2013.
“Barangay officials are the first responders. They know their place best. They are the ones who know their situation. If they can’t handle it anymore, that’s when they inform us (CCDRRMO) or the mayor’s office,” Banacia said in Cebuano.
He said the city prepared several vehicles on standby to transport stranded residents. Banacia said they need to hire more drivers for these vehicles.
He said based on the 11 am forecast by state weather bureau Pagasa, there won’t be any suspension of classes. Banacia said the schools should inform them if there is any suspension of classes.
“They can call or even reach out to us through the media. We will react immediately,” Banacia said in Cebuano./Ateneo de Manila University Intern Maria Lelaina R. Cardeño