Rain clouds are gathering over Cebu as Tropical Depression Basyang approaches the Visayas, prompting a familiar change in daily life.
Across the province, local governments have started taking precautions by adjusting schedules, activating response teams, and urging residents to stay alert.
In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival placed the city under Blue Alert on Wednesday, February 4, following a coordination meeting of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The alert means closer monitoring and readiness, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides.
Barangays were instructed to activate their disaster plans, while response teams were deployed in the northern and southern parts of the city with equipment and supplies on standby.
“Following our assessment, Cebu City is now under Blue Alert. This means we are tightening monitoring and standing ready to respond to any emergency. I also directed all barangays to activate their disaster preparedness plans and stay on standby,” the mayor said.
Residents were also reminded to secure their homes, prepare basic necessities, and remain cautious as weather conditions change.
The approaching storm has also affected schools.
Local governments in Danao, Carmen, Compostela, Cordova, Catmon, Sogod, and Daanbantayan suspended face-to-face classes in public and private schools from February 4 to 6.
Weather forecasters reported that Basyang was last spotted east of Mindanao. Its wide circulation, combined with the northeast monsoon, is expected to bring rain and strong winds to large parts of the Visayas, including Cebu.
Coastal and upland areas may experience hazardous conditions.
Fisherfolk and small boat operators were advised to avoid going to sea because rough to very rough waters are expected in the coming days.
Community celebrations have also adjusted. In Consolacion, the local government moved the Sarok Festival to February 7 to ensure public safety.
The annual event honors the town’s farming roots and is named after the traditional sarok hat once worn by farmers working under the sun.
For now, Cebu waits, watching the skies, checking advisories, and making small but important preparations.
Photo from DOST-Pagasa
