Classes canceled in Cebu City as city govt readies evac sites

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama, back from his trip to Rome, ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in Cebu City to prepare for Storm “Ofel”.

He announced his decision over radio last night based on advice from anti-disaster workers.

Alvin Santillana, Cebu City Risk Reduction Management Council (CCDRRMC) operations chief, said they don’t want to take chances with the safety of school children.

In yesterday’s meeting at the mayor’s office, Santillana said the council identified barangay halls, schools, gymnasiums, churches and chapels as evacuation sites.

The Cebu City Health Office will be open 24 hours starting yesterday to provide immediate medical supplies.

A total of 19 barangays in the city have landslide-prone areas.

These are Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot-Taup, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Tagbao, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay,Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin, Buhisan, Pamutan, Sapangdaku, and Adlaon.

The assessment was based on a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 report last August.

Santillana said people should stock up or prepare disaster kits like canned goods sufficient for 48 hours, emergency lights fully loaded with batteries, transistor radios, long towels and medicines.

The Metropolitan Water District (MCWD) will have standby generators and water tanks.

The Visayan Electric Co. also assured stable power supply, Santillana said.

Barangay officials were told to activate their disaster response teams and monitor their areas for flooding and landslides.

“Residents are advised to trim their trees to avoid accidents. Emergency contact numbers to call are 166, 161 and 160. Always remember evacuation is better than rescue,” Santillana said. Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao