Monday, May 12, 2008 Prepare for bad weather this month: PB to LGUs
THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) warned all local government units (LGUs) of a bad weather condition this month and urged their officials to have contingency measures in case a calamity occurs.
In a resolution, the board asked Cebu’s towns and cities to be prepared for any disaster that may occur in the coming weeks.
Citing a weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa), the PB said that Cebu and the rest of the country can expect a wet summer because of the La Niña phenomenon.
The PB resolution also quoted state forecasters, who earlier warned the public on the possible occurrence of tornadoes and hailstorms as a result of climate change.
Thunderstorms
“The country could expect hailstorms associated with intense thunderstorms,” said PB Member Victor Maambong, quoting Pag-asa Chief Weather Forecaster Nathaniel Cruz.
“A hailstorm is not highly unusual, although it is not a normal occurrence in the country. It can be very destructive to the life and limb of our people and to their properties and possessions,” the resolution read.
Lumps
Hail is the precipitation of irregular lumps of ice, usually five to 50 millimeters in diameter.
Pag-asa also expects surging temperatures this month, which they said could explain the unpredictable weather this summer.
“This alarming forecast prompted this August Body to advise all LGUs of the Province to prepare and create contingency measures in the event of these foreseen bad weather conditions this month,” Maambong added. (JGA)
