Baguio City on red alert as Butchoy continues path over Luzon

Baguio City is prepared for the strong rains and winds brought by Tropical Depression Butchoy, an operations officer from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said Thursday.

According to Jonathan Andal’s report on “24 Oras,” the city government also distributed rescue tool sets, especially to flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.

“Naka-ready na tayo. Expected na possible na pag-landfall dito sa Baguio City would be Friday night or Saturday morning,” Baguio CDRMMO Operations Officer Julius Santos said.

Barangays prone to flooding are the Lower Rock Quarry, Middle Rock Quarry, Lourdes Extension, City Camp Central, City Camp Proper, and Queen of Peace.

Landslide-prone barangays were identified as Kias, Irisan, Middle Rock Quarry, Happy Hallow, Atok Trail.

The CDRRMO is on red alert and will be in operation round-the-clock.

The local government also assured residents that social distancing will be enforced not only inside evacuation centers but also inside the vehicles that will be used to transport them.

“Anytime na kailangan silang mag-evacuate, dapat naka-prepare na ‘yung mga dadalhin nila,” Santos said.

Meanwhile, the barangay chairman of Barangay Lower Rock Quarry called on residents not to throw trash into waterways.

Authorities cleared the creek of waste but some trash returned after the downpour.

“Nakikiusap ako doon sa mga residente na kung maaari po, ‘yung mga basura ninyo, may garbage collection day naman tayo, do’n niyo na lang itapon, ‘wag sa creek, sa waterways,” chairman Benigno Marzan said. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News