Local governments of Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City separately convened Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meetings to prepare for the possible effects of Tropical Depression Basyang.
The tropical depression is forecast to affect Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao.
In Lapu-Lapu City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) held its PDRA meeting on February 4, with Mayor Cindi King-Chan presiding.
The mayor directed concerned departments to mobilize personnel and pre-position disaster preparedness measures in barangays across both mainland and island communities.
During the meeting, PAGASA Mactan weather specialist Engr. Jhomer Eclarino presented the latest forecast, saying Lapu-Lapu City may experience 100 to 200 millimeters of rainfall as the tropical depression continues its track.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Nagiel Bañacia urged barangay officials and their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (BDRRMOs) to conduct rekorida and closely monitor their areas, particularly with the expected heavy rains in the coming days.
Mayor King-Chan reminded barangays to remain on high alert and to continuously monitor PAGASA advisories, stressing the importance of preparedness at the community level.
Meanwhile, Mandaue City also conducted its PDRA meeting on Tuesday afternoon, led by Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano.
According to Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Buddy Ybañez, the meeting was attended by response cluster members from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), City Social Welfare Services (CSWS), City Health Office (CHO), and the city’s emergency response teams.
The 27 barangay DRRM focal persons were also present.
Ybañez said preparedness measures reiterated during the meeting included barangay inspections, rekorida, and the preparation of contingency plans, particularly for flood- and coastal-prone areas.
He added that PAGASA is monitoring a possible storm surge of one to two meters, while 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall is expected in Mandaue City, placing some areas—especially coastal barangays—under the yellow rainfall warning category.
Any preemptive evacuation, Ybañez said, will be at the discretion of barangay captains, with Barangay Emergency Response Teams and DRRM focal persons tasked to recommend and implement evacuations if conditions warrant.
“Padayon nga magbinantayon, ilabi na sa mga weather update, iandam ang ilang kabtangan, ug dili lang ta mukumpyansa,” Ybañez said. (VCL)
