Work suspended in gov’t, private sector

WORK was ordered suspended in the government and private sector at 3 p.m. yesterday as a pre-storm precautionary measure.

The order was given by local governments in Metro Cebu and the Cebu provincial government.

“As per advice by (state weather bureau) Pagasa, all public and private offices and agencies in Cebu City will be closed starting 3 p.m. November 7, 2013 until November 8, 2013 due to typhoon Yolanda,” Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said in a one-page order.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) set up a command post at the mayor’s conference room.

The city’s health staff will be on duty 24 hours.

“We already distributed medicines for asthma, hypertension, allergies and minor injuries,” City Health Officer Stella Ygoña said.

Disposal

Parks and Playgrounds Commissioner Arlie Gesta said they responded to 22 urgent requests to cut trees and trim branches.

Garbage from the typhoon will be temporarily deposited in the Inayawan landfill.

The Department of Public Services (DPS) has prepared trucks, backhoes, bulldozers and other equipment for this.

The Capitol ordered the suspension of work for both government and private sector employees from noon yesterday until tomorrow.

“We are urging all companies covered by the province to comply with the provincial government’s announcement,” Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said.

Emergencies

Earlier, both Gov. HIlario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale met with representatives of power and water companies and telecommunication providers who said contingency plans were in place.

A skeleton force remains at the Capitol compound while the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also on stand-by to monitor the supertyphoon.

Families in coastal areas in a few southern towns were evacuated by their respective local government units (LGUs) yesterday morning, said Neil Sanchez, head of the provincial disaster office.

Heavy equipment were placed on standby to clear fallen trees, poles and other obstructions in roads.

Storm surges

“We already ran advisories every two hours for our LGUs. They already identified their evacuation centers on schools and sports centers,” he said.

Coastal residents should be wary of possible storm surges at high tide in the pre-dawn hours, Sanchez said.

He said the towns of Argao and Aloguinsan implemented “pre-emptive evacuation” of coastal residents.

High tide is expected at 1.9 meters after midnight at 12:25 a.m. Thursday, at 1:09 a.m. on Friday, and 1:47 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 9.

In Talisay City, Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes ordered the suspension of classes and work in government and the private sector as well as evacuation of residents in coastal barangays Poblacion, Cansojong and Tanke.

Full alert

The mayor’s office will serve as a command center,.

Supt. Resty Santos, acting Talisay City police chief, said they have been on full alert since last Wednesday.

In Naga City, Gary Cabotaje, Naga City Hall public information officer said 150 families or 349 persons were evacuated to the city gym.

Another 50 families or 108 persons from barangays Tinaan and Central Poblacion also occupied the badminton court.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong ordered the suspension of classes and work starting yesterday until today. With Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita