The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) on Monday said that it continues to monitor the low-pressure area (LPA) that brought localized thunderstorms in the city.
CDRRMO Head Alfredo Baloran said on Monday that while the city is not directly affected by the LPA, the localized thunderstorms have caused strong rains.
“Continuous ang monitoring sa presence sa LPA, the other day ta nag-start. Wala directly naapektuhan ang city sa trough of the LPA but the city experienced localized thunderstorms—kusog na pag-ulan sa mga areas na nakasinati og street floodings due to the strong rains brought about by the LPA ([We conduct] continuous monitoring of the presence of the LPA, which we started the other day. The city is not directly affected by the trough of the LPA, but it experienced localized thunderstorms and strong rains in areas that experienced street flooding due to the LPA),” he said.
He said their office is on-call 24/7 for weather updates and for the deployment of response teams if necessary.
“Always man ta naga-prepare, wala man nato gi-lie low ang atong operations. 24/7 ang disaster office on-call. Naa ta’y BDRRMCs and volunteers always, especially if naa tay disturbances (We are always prepared, we never slowed down operations. The disaster office is on-call 24/7. We have BDRRMCs and volunteers always ready, especially during disturbances),” Baloran said.
He added that residents of coastal communities, especially those not traversed by the coastal road, were advised during coordination meetings to stay alert for the incoming monsoon season.
With the opening of classes fast approaching—an event that could be affected by changing weather conditions—the city’s disaster action teams have been informed of protocols for class suspensions.
Baloran said that the Disaster Action Teams will act once the barangay is informed by the school principal of a class suspension.
“Ang mag-declare og suspension of classes is the principal, in coordination with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU). Mag-issue og memo or order declaring the suspension of classes. Ang origination sa order gikan gyud sa principal. If in case dili maka-declare ang principal pero makita sa barangay nga naay delikado na weather disturbances, pwede sila mag-declare og suspension of classes ( It is the principal who declares the suspension of classes, in coordination with the BLGU. A memo or order will be issued. The order originates from the principal. However, if the principal does not declare it but the barangay observes dangerous weather conditions, they may declare a class suspension),” Baloran said.
For more updates on the weather situation in Davao City, Dabawenyos may follow the official page of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – https://www.facebook.com/DavaoDRRMO. CIO