Cebu City Maintains Vigilance Amid Basyang's Aftermath
CEBU CITY – Local authorities have reported no significant emergencies following the impact of Tropical Depression Basyang, though they caution that minor landslides could still develop in the coming days due to soil softened by recent rainfall. The situation remains under close watch as the city continues its red alert status to ensure adequate response capabilities.
Disaster Preparedness in Full Swing
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the City Council’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, emphasized that barangay and city responders are maintaining high vigilance. He noted that personnel are already deployed across their respective areas to enable swift action during any emergencies. "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," Tumulak explained.
Evacuations and Current Conditions
Earlier preventive evacuations were conducted in four mountain barangays identified as landslide-prone, particularly in zones with previous slope failures. However, most residents have returned home as weather conditions showed improvement. Tumulak confirmed that no injuries or major incidents have been recorded so far, attributing this to enhanced preparedness measures learned from past typhoon experiences.
Ongoing Response and Future Actions
The city is preparing to deploy specialized teams, including rescue, clearing, and search-and-rescue units, to southern areas that were most affected by the storm. Residents are advised to:
- Stay alert and monitor official weather advisories
- Coordinate closely with barangay officials if conditions deteriorate
- Follow safety protocols to minimize risks
This proactive approach underscores Cebu City's commitment to disaster resilience and community safety during weather disturbances.
