Mandaue City Acts Early as Tropical Depression Verbena Approaches
The local government of Mandaue City has issued a directive for preemptive evacuations for residents living near the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers. This decisive action comes as Tropical Depression Verbena is forecast to bring significant rainfall to the area, posing a heightened flood risk.
Mayor's Warning on Clogged Drainage Systems
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano explained that the evacuation order was made following a coordination meeting with the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO). He emphasized that the current situation is more perilous than during past storms, primarily due to the lingering effects of Tropical Storm Tino.
"Our drainage systems in Mandaue City became heavily clogged after Storm Tino," Mayor Ouano stated. "This means that even a small amount of rainfall now can already cause immediate flooding."
Evacuation Plans and Preparedness Measures
The primary focus is on the safety of residents in vulnerable clusters along the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers. For other areas, barangay captains have been empowered to make evacuation decisions based on local conditions.
The city has proactively prepared all designated evacuation centers. These sites have been stocked with essential supplies, including rice, canned goods, and other basic necessities. Learning from the delays experienced during Storm Tino, the barangays are prepared to cook meals for their communities on-site if necessary.
While garbage collection continues, clearing operations have been temporarily suspended. The mayor confirmed that over 20 heavy equipment units, rented from private partners, are on standby to resume clearing work once the weather improves. Specialized smaller equipment will also be deployed to the heavily affected barangays of Paknaan and Umapad after the storm passes.
Substantial Rainfall Forecast and Urgent Appeal
According to MCDRRMO head Buddy Ybañez, the city is preparing for rainfall between 50 to 200 millimeters today. An even more intense orange rainfall warning is expected by Tuesday, November 25, which could bring an additional 100 to 200 millimeters of rain. Ybañez reiterated that the drainage systems remain silted, severely reducing their capacity to handle runoff.
With an estimated 9,000 households in the city, those closest to the rivers are the top priority. Mayor Ouano made a final appeal for public cooperation, stating, "We are operating normally here in Mandaue City. We are only asking for everyone’s cooperation because all of this is for their safety." He expressed hope that the rain would be manageable, noting that the city has not yet fully recovered from the damage inflicted by Storm Tino.
