DAVAO CITY – Classes in all levels in Davao City were suspended from Dec. 21-23 as tropical storm "Vinta" (international name Tembin) is expected to make landfall over the Caraga-Davao region Thursday evening or Friday morning.
"Vinta" has maintained strength as it moves towards eastern Mindanao and expected to make landfall over Caraga-Davao region Thursday or Friday morning, state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
In its latest severe weather bulletin, PAGASA said "Vinta" was last observed at 440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move west at 18 kph.
Due to the effects of "Vinta", signal number 2 is hoisted over the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur. Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains is expected over central Visayas, eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao region and northern Mindanao.
Signal number 1 is up over southern Leyte, Bohol, Dinagat Island, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, northern Davao Oriental, northern Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Norte.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued Proclamation No. 7 Wednesday night declaring the suspension of classes. However, there is no suspension of work in all government offices.
She also advised schools with scheduled Christmas parties during Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 to exercise prudence in their planned activitiesfor the safety of their students and personnel.
Duterte-Carpio has encouraged private companies to prepare a plan for their respective employees.
“Everyone is encouraged to stay home and postpone outdoor activities,” she said, urging residents in flood and landslide-prone areas to be on the alert and prepare for preemptive evacuation.
The city will deploy buses and trucks for those who will be possibly stranded if flooding occurs.
Meanwhile, Davao City through Central 911, the provincial governments of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley have activated their Incident Command System (ICS).
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has ordered the activation of the province’s Incident Command System (ICS) during the meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The PDRRMC reported that the expected amount of rainfall may reach up to 40 mm within the next three days.
Provincial Information office Karen Lou Deloso said volunteer groups and all resources are on standby while the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other rescue teams are already on alert status.
She said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has alerted the barangays for their preparation.
Residents have been encouraged to prepare the "Go Bag" or survival kit consisting of basic necessities such as food and water good for at least three days.
Dayanghirang, she said had requested additional 20,000 food packs from the Social Welfare Department to augment the province’s supply.
Dayanghirang also relied on the judgment of the barangay leaders who are directly on the ground. He called on barangay leaders to ensure that evacuation centers are safe and suitable for evacuation.
Dayanghirang ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) office to closely coordinate with their counterparts at the municipal level and their local chief executives for the smooth flow of response and operation.
Davao City and the Davao provinces especially Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley are no longer taking chances as these were the areas hard hit by Typhoon Pablo in 2012. (PNA)
