No floods from Crising’s rain

TYPHOON Crising brought rains to Metro Cebu for two days but there were no floods or landslides reported in Cebu City.

As a precaution, mayors in the cities of Cebu, Talisay and Naga ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in private and public schools yesterday.

They also directed emergency and rescue units to be on alert.

Coastal communities and residents in landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant and open to the possibility that they may have to evacuate.

Acting Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale said she allowed local government executives decide whether or not they will suspend classes in their areas. She said she also requested local government units to spare their heavy equipment for emergencies.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) expects tropical depression Crising to leave the Philippine area of responsibility tonight. During the day, though, Pagasaforecasts rain or thunderstorms in Metro Cebu.

Alvin Santillana, operation officer of the Cebu City Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the desilting and dredging of rivers and creeks are effective in preventing floods in the city.

Precaution

He said downtown areas, particularly Colon Street, usually get flooded when there is rain.

Crising brought rains to Metro Cebu for two days since Tuesday.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he ordered the suspension of classes in all levels as a precaution.

“We don’t want to see things complicating later, particularly when the rain in the morning seems like it’s angry,” he said.

Pagasa did not raise a storm signal for Cebu, but Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez and City Mayor Valdemar Chiong of Naga decided to take the same precaution.

Talisay City public information officer Arturo Bas said Fernandez issued the order as early as 7 a.m. yesterday.

Magpale said she let mayors exercise the discretion to suspend classes as weather conditions differ from one area to another.

Magpale said she expects to get regular updates from Neil Angelo Sanchez, former operations chief of the Office of Civil Defense 7 who was appointed Provincial Disaster and Risk-reduction Management Council chief this week.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador is also giving Magpale regular updates.