The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero casualties as Tropical Depression "Verbena" continues to impact the region with persistent rainfall.
Preemptive Evacuations Underway
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the CCDRRMO committee, confirmed that early evacuation operations have already begun for residents living in vulnerable areas. Priority is being given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children who reside along riverbanks and other high-risk locations.
This emergency action follows a crucial coordination meeting held on Monday, November 24, 2025, between barangay captains, City Government officials, and disaster response teams to finalize preparedness measures against the approaching weather disturbance.
Strict Enforcement of No-Build Zones
Tumulak issued a stern reminder to communities about maintaining cleared riverbanks and strictly observing "no-build zones" as mandated by the mayor. The councilor emphasized in Cebuano, "Walay mamuyo og balik sa sapa" (No one should return to live by the river), underscoring the city's determination to prevent settlements in danger areas.
The City Government is preparing to escalate its alert status to Code Red by Monday night, which requires full deployment of all emergency responders, equipment, and resources. This highest alert level ensures complete readiness across all response units.
Comprehensive Preparedness Measures
Essential services are being maintained throughout the weather disturbance, with barangay health centers remaining open to serve medical needs. Critical utility providers including Visayan Electric and Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) have prepared power generators to ensure continuous operation of vital facilities.
"Ready na gyud ang tanan" (Everything is really ready), Tumulak assured the public. He explained, "Akong gihangyo ang mga tawo nga dili maratol kay lahi man ni ang Tropical Depression Verbena compared to Typhoon Tino. Uwan lang ni siya, pero kinahanglan maniguro ta" (I'm asking people not to be complacent because Tropical Depression Verbena is different from Typhoon Tino. This is just rain, but we need to make sure).
The disaster official urged residents to stay informed through official weather advisories, avoid danger zones, and fully cooperate with evacuation directives as Cebu City braces for continued heavy rainfall from the tropical depression.
