The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)
urged the public to cooperate and take heed of the possible pre-emptive and forced evacuation advisories in light of the Trough of the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) bringing in heavy rains here.
CDRRMO Administrative and Training Chief Lyndon Ancajas, in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio on Wednesday, said that Dabawenyos, especially those living in areas frequented by floods, are advised to take proactive measures to ensure their safety.
“Hangyo lang sa katawhan nga kadtong sige’g kasinati og baha in the past so karong panahuna karon nga time andamon nila ang ilahang survival kit, ilang sarili, ang ilang pamilya kay basin muabot ang panahon nga atoa silang i-request nga evacuate (Those living in areas frequented by floods in the past should at this time prepare their survival kit, themselves, and their families because they may be asked to evacuate),” Ancajas said.
He clarified that they advise pre-emptive evacuation at times even when the water levels are not that high and force evacuation when there are areas already at very high risk.
“Dili na nato hulaton nga muabot pa nga force evacuation, pre-emptive palang, atoa nang sundon ang mando sa city government through our office nga mag pre-emptive nata, atong i-andam ang atong mga gamit (We should not wait for forced evacuation, we should follow the advice from the city government to conduct pre-emptive evacuation and prepare our belongings),” Ancajas said.
Ancajas added that as of Wednesday, they already relayed information to the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to prepare the evacuation centers in their areas and conduct recorrida in areas at risk of landslide and flood.
“Mao lang gyud ni ang ginahangyo gyud sa kani nga panahon ang cooperation gyud sa public, sa kadaghan sa areas murag whole Davao, whole Davao Region gyud ang affected ani ato gyud nga gi-encourage ang full cooperation sa katawhan nga pag once muabot ang panahon nga mag pre-emptive evacuation mu cooperate (This is only what we are asking for–the cooperation of the public -because there are many areas affected, it might be the whole of Davao City, the whole of Davao Region so we really encourage full cooperation from the public that should there be a need for pre-emptive evacuation they will cooperate),” Ancajas said.
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) at 11 am on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, issued Weather Advisory No. 5 stating that the Trough of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) may bring a significant amount of rains within the next three days.
The weather advisory reminds the public and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
“People living in areas identified to be highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials for heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area,” the advisory reads. It also stated that unless there is an intermediate issuance, the next weather advisory will be issued at 11 pm on January 31.
Ancajas said that residents should always stay alert and keep updated with the advisories on weather and river monitoring posted through the CDRRMO Official Page and also announced over 87.5 Davao City Disaster Radio. CIO
