Still reeling from Typhoon Tino, Cebu residents evacuate in the face of Verbena

After the hard lessons from Typhoon Tino, pre-emptive evacuations were undertaken in Cebu province amid the threat posed by Tropical Depression Verbena.

In his report for 24 Oras on Monday, Nikko Sereno of GMA Regional TV said several local government units and barangays decided to evacuate communities that are at-risk as part of their preparations.

This developed as strong winds and rain brought by Verbena was experienced early Monday morning over Guian, Samar where LGUs are maintaining close monitoring of barangays on the coast. 

A pre-disaster assessment meeting was held in Catbalogan City due to the severity of the weather in the afternoon.

In Cebu, the Mandaue City government made preparations for the storm, with many residents now staying at schools and evacuation centers.

Mandaue Mayor Jonkie Cuano said the pre-emptive evacuations were necessary since the city’s drainage system remains clogged in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino and that any amount of rainfall could trigger immediate floods.

In Cebu City, the mayor also conducted pre-emptive evacuations in order to avoid incidents similar to what occurred during Typhoon Tino where hundreds lost their lives. The city said it will resort to forced evacuations if needed.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard cancelled all incoming and outgoing trips at the Cebu City Port. PCG District Central Visayas records show there are 482 passengers and 105 rolling cargo of 48 vessels now stranded in Cebu.

In the town of Liloan, more than 800 families decided to evacuate as early as Sunday as a safety precaution. —RF, GMA Integrated News