Cebu Braces for Heavy Rains as New Storm Threatens
The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of heightened alert as Tropical Depression Verbena entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), affecting the region starting Tuesday, November 25, 2025. This has prompted urgent disaster preparedness actions across the island.
Pre-emptive Evacuations and Government Directives
In response to the impending threat, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued an advisory to all city mayors, instructing them to conduct pre-emptive evacuations for residents living in high-risk areas, particularly those prone to flooding and landslides. "Our mayors and LGUs have been instructed to stay on heightened alert and activate their DRRM teams. If your LGU orders a pre-emptive evacuation, please let us follow. Earlier is always safer," Governor Baricuatro stated.
Echoing the governor's directive, Dennis Pastor, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), ordered all local DRRM offices to remain on alert and proceed with evacuations in vulnerable zones. The public has also been warned against risky activities. "No river cruising, no sea travels, if it’s not necessary, please avoid them," Pastor emphasized on November 24.
Travel and Class Suspensions Enforced
As a safety measure, the Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas (PCG-CV), through spokesperson Captain Jerome Lozada, suspended all ship voyages within the Visayas region, including routes to and from Cebu's islands.
In addition to sea travel, face-to-face classes at all levels in the province have been temporarily suspended due to the risks posed by the weather disturbance. Both public and private schools are expected to shift to online classes to ensure the continuity of education.
Substantial Rainfall Expected, Public Urged to Heed Warnings
Engr. Al Quiblat, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas, warned that Tropical Depression Verbena is expected to bring significant rainfall to Cebu. "It doesn’t matter where it makes landfall in different parts of Cebu as long as we are prepared for heavy rain... We expect to reach 100-200 millimeters of rain," Quiblat said on November 24.
Although Verbena is not as strong as the previous Typhoon Tino, authorities caution against complacency. The persistent rain, which began on the evening of November 24 and is expected to last until the 25th, could result in severe flooding. Quiblat explained that the capacity of local waterways and rivers has been reduced due to siltation from Typhoon Tino, making drainage systems shallower and increasing flood risks. "So we must be vigilant for the anticipated rainfall," he added.
The situation has already caused disruption, with some families who had previously returned home after Typhoon Tino now seeking shelter once again at the Talisay Sports Academy Center evacuation site due to the threat from Verbena.
