Eye of Yolanda may hit north of Cebu

Crisil Tabanas, mother of one joins the public in panic shopping in one of the malls at the north reclamation area.

She dumps diaper and milk to her grocery basket last night along with flashlight and batteries in case power turns off.

21-year old Virgio Pacencia landed in the North General Hospital and is in critical condition when he was electrocuted when he went up a billboard and removed a tarpaulin in preparation of “super typhoon” Yolanda in Cubacub, Mandaue City, Thursday morning.

Even the Command Center at the Cebu City hall is preparing as they cover all glass windows with plywood to avoid broken glass when the wind blows.

Signal number 1 is hoisted over Cebu along with Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Cebu, Camotes Island, Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte, Biliran Island and Northern Samar in Visayas.

Camarines, Norte,Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao island, Burias Island, Masbate, Romblon, Marinduque and Southern Quezon in Luzon.

Signal number 2 was raised over Eastern Samar, Samar and Southern Leyte, Surigao Del Norte including Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, Northern part of Surigao Del Sur and Northern part of Agusan Del Norte.

Oscar Tabada, OIC of Pagasa Visayas said typhoon Yolanda has intensified when it reaches the vicinity of Samar and Leyte island at around 4am Friday and its eye is most likely to hit northern Cebu.

Those living in highly areas of susceptability of landslide, flooding and storm surge are advised to evacuate as early as possible.

In Cebu City heavy equipment are on standby in both the north and south hinterland barangays.

Evacuation centers in Cebu City includes barangay Sto. Ino barangay hall, barangay Inayawan sports complex, Basak San Nicolas elementary school, Cogon Pardo Sports complex, Sawang Calero Sports Complex, Kinasang-an sitio Acacia gym, Duljo Fatima Gym and School, Pasil elementary school, Mambaling barangay hall and Mambaling elementary school, Basak Pardo Elementary School, Sports Complex and barangay hall.

There is no forced evacuation happening in Cebu City today. However Police Regional Office – 7 Director Danilo Constantino encouraged early evacuation especially in the coastal and landslide-prone areas.

In Medellin north of Cebu, Mayor Ramirez has mobilized all barangay officials to prepare for evacuation sites.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III has announced suspension of work starting 12 noon until today and whole day tomorrow so people can be prepared for the typhoon.