DAVAO ORIENTAL – The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental
has activated earlier today its Incident Command System (ICS) as it braces for
Tropical Depression “Chedeng” which is anticipated to bring moderate to heavy
rains over the province.
The province, which is already under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 1 based on the Severe Weather Bulletin issued by DOST-PAGASA, has already started its preparation since Sunday morning.
During the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting held yesterday, the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) have identified the areas vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The council members have also discussed the possible effects and preparation measures related to the looming weather disturbance.
“Although the Chedeng is not that strong, the volume of the rain is our main concern,” said PDRRMO Assistant Department Head Francis Jason Bendulo, noting that they are constantly monitoring areas predisposed to flooding and landslides.
“The PDRRMO and its local counterparts are in constant communication to ensure that preparations and response are well-coordinated,” he said, adding that they have already also coordinated the preparations and interventions with all key agencies.
He said that all manpower, heavy equipment, and food supplies are already prepositioned. Heavy equipment from the Provincial Engineer’s Office and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are also on standby.
A monitoring team was also deployed at the Aragon Dam in Cateel to monitor the water level.
701st Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army Col. Manuel Sequitin has ordered the two battalions under his command to anticipate the landfall of TD Chedeng. He ordered his troops to be on standby ready to respond, especially in flood and landslide prone areas.
The Philippine Coast Guard has temporarily cancelled all sea vessels around Davao Oriental.
Earlier this morning, Capitol employees have gathered in unity and prayer at the Capitol during a holy mass in light of the looming storm.
PRE-EMPTIVE EVACUATION
While “Chedeng” is expected to make landfall over the eastern coast of Davao Oriental tomorrow morning and is expected to weaken into a Low-Pressure Area while crossing Mindanao, there are also reports that it “may also pass through the vicinity of Barangay Dugmanon in San Isidro town”.
In response, the Local Government Unit of San Isidro led a pre-emptive evacuation of 22 families or 64 individuals in Barangay Dugmanon and Barangay Lapu-lapu, San Isidro, who are living near riverbanks. San Isidro Mayor Justina Yu and Incident Commander Vice Governor Niño Uy led the evacuation of these families who are now housed at the Dugmanon Barangay Hall.
SUSPENSION OF CLASSES
Anytime today, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang is expected to issue an order for the suspension of classes from elementary to secondary for the whole province.
However, the Local Government Units have already issued orders for the suspension of classes in their respective areas.
Suspension of classes in all levels has been issued in the municipalities of San Isidro, Lupon, Baganga, Tarragona, Boston, and Banaybanay. The municipalities of Caraga, Cateel, and Governor Generoso has suspended classes for the pre-school level only while the City of Mati has suspended classes for elementary to secondary levels.
Governor Dayanghirang has called on all residents of the province, especially those living in areas at high risk of flooding and landslides to continue monitoring for updates, take precautionary measures, and coordinate with Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in case of evacuations.
The PDRRMC’s counterparts in the municipalities have also been advised to constantly monitor and to efficiently implement necessary preparations.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also advise the Local Government Units down to the barangays to observe the LISTO protocols mandated to them by the department.
