Cebu City Maintains Red Alert Status After Tropical Depression Basyang
Officials in Cebu City have confirmed that no significant damage was encountered following the passage of Tropical Depression Basyang. However, they have issued a warning that minor landslides or soil erosion could still occur in the coming days due to the softening of the ground from recent rainfall.
Disaster Preparedness and Monitoring Efforts
Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee of the Cebu City Council, emphasized that barangay and city responders remain vigilant. He explained that the city is maintaining a red alert status to ensure an adequate number of personnel are available for rescue and emergency operations.
"Landslides are expected as the soil has softened, but these are not anticipated to be as severe as those experienced during Typhoon Tino, when there had been continuous rainfall prior to the storm," stated Tumulak.
Evacuations and Current Situation
Four upland barangays initially conducted evacuations in areas prone to landslides, particularly in locations that have experienced soil erosion in the past. Most evacuees have already returned to their homes as weather conditions have improved.
According to Tumulak, no injuries or major incidents have been recorded so far. Cebu City is also prepared to deploy rescue, clearing, and search-and-rescue teams to southern areas that were severely affected by the storm.
Preemptive Measures and Regional Support
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival revealed that the city government has sent a disaster response team consisting of 14 personnel to Argao City. Based on the latest advisory from Pagasa, the storm was projected to make landfall in Argao yesterday afternoon, Friday.
Archival noted that the team was dispatched as a preemptive measure to assist the local government of Argao in preparing for and responding to emergencies. Tumulak highlighted that barangay and city responders remain on "full alert" and are already deployed in their respective barangays to quickly address any emergencies while the city remains under red alert.
