Streets in Cebu City, still recovering from recent storms, are bracing again as Tropical Depression Wilma approaches the Visayas.
The city has raised its alert level, prompting heightened disaster readiness and preparations for possible evacuations in flood-prone communities.
Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), confirmed on Friday, December 5, that Cebu has been under blue alert status since 2 p.m. on Thursday due to the approaching weather disturbance.
A blue alert signals a heightened level of preparedness for potential disaster situations.
“Giinform na nato ang mga barangay. Blue alert nata since 2 p.m. kay isuguro na nato nga dili na masuban ang unsay nahitabo sa Tino,” Tumulak said.
He urged residents, especially those in identified danger zones, to take the warnings seriously.
“Based on forecasts, we expect rain tomorrow, Saturday. We urge barangays not to be complacent after Tino. Residents in danger zones should evacuate immediately. It’s better to be safe and avoid any loss of life in our city,” he added.
Barangay captains have been instructed to prepare for possible preemptive evacuations if conditions worsen. Tumulak also confirmed that the city’s emergency operations have been activated.
“We already informed the barangay captains to prepare and possibly conduct evacuations, especially in flood-prone areas. The emergency operation center is activated, heavy equipment like our backhoe is in place, 911 is operational, and communications, including backup power, are ready,” he said.
In its 2 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 7 on Friday, Pagasa said Wilma slightly slowed while maintaining its strength as it moved west-southwest over the Philippine Sea.
As of 1 p.m., the cyclone’s center was estimated at 225 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gusts of up to 55 km/h. Wilma was moving west-southwest at 10 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over several areas in the Visayas, including Cebu, Bantayan Island, and Camotes Island. The warning indicates strong winds and minimal to minor threats to life and property.
Pagasa said Wilma may make its initial landfall over Eastern Visayas between Friday evening and Saturday morning, then cross the Visayas and emerge over the Sulu Sea by Sunday.
Although Wilma remains a tropical depression, its wide rainbands may bring heavy rainfall across parts of the Visayas, including Cebu. Pagasa also warned of possible flash floods, landslides, and strong coastal gusts enhanced by the Northeast Monsoon.
A gale warning is currently in effect over the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, making sea travel risky, especially for small vessels.
The public, particularly those living in highly susceptible flood and landslide areas, is advised to follow local government instructions and stay updated with the latest weather bulletins.
Tumulak reiterated the importance of preparedness as Cebu City monitors the evolving weather conditions.
“If you are living in a danger zone, please evacuate,” he stressed.
Officials said the city will continue coordinating with barangays and responding as necessary once rainfall intensity increases. (LLP)
