Are Cebu’s villages ready for the looming La Niña season? With predictions of increased rainfall from June to August 2024, the Cebu City government has taken proactive measures to mitigate potential flooding and landslides.
Reactivating disaster risk responders across 80 barangays, the city aims to enhance community resilience and safeguard residents.
Mobilizing Disaster Responders
Councilor Joel Garganera, head of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, emphasized the crucial role of barangay responders. They will monitor areas susceptible to flooding and landslides, ensuring timely evacuations if heavy rains threaten.
Garganera stated,
“If heavy rain comes, we will evacuate them (residents), especially those in the flood-prone areas.”
Task Force Gubat sa Baha Initiatives
Acting Mayor Alvin Garcia has instructed the Task Force Gubat sa Baha (War on Floods) to accelerate interventions to prevent flooding. The task force implements short-term solutions, including purchasing declogging machines to deploy in low-lying areas.
Garcia underscored the importance of collaboration between the task force and other city offices, such as the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) Team, to minimize flood damage.
Preparedness Measures
La Niña, characterized by increased rainfall, poses a significant threat to Cebu City in the coming months. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts a 60% chance of La Niña developing from June to August 2024, peaking in the last quarter of the year.
This weather pattern typically brings excessive rainfall, heightening the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
To address these concerns, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) has implemented several measures:
- Water gauges installed: Seven major waterways are now equipped with water gauges for real-time monitoring.
- Early warning signs: Deployed in landslide- and flood-prone areas to alert residents promptly.
- Community education: Information materials about flood and landslide dangers have been distributed to barangays.
- Drainage system maintenance: Continuous efforts to clean and declog waterways are underway.
Flooding Risks and Community Efforts
Flooding is a regular occurrence in Cebu City, particularly from June to November, due to its low elevation and heavy precipitation. Past incidents, such as the floods in Banilad, were often caused by clogged drainage systems.
PAGASA has urged local government units (LGUs) to clear obstructions from waterways, rivers, and drainage systems to accommodate higher water volumes during excessive rainfall.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The preparations come as forecasts suggest an increased probability of La Niña, which typically brings more rainfall. By reactivating disaster responders and enhancing flood prevention measures, Cebu City is taking significant steps to protect its residents and infrastructure.
Community Coordination and Preparedness
The success of these initiatives hinges on effective coordination among city offices and community involvement. The task force is prepared to rent declogging machines if purchase delays occur, ensuring continuous flood prevention efforts.
The city’s proactive stance aims to reduce the impact of flooding, a recurring challenge due to Cebu City’s low elevation and heavy precipitation during the rainy season.
Key Points:
- Cebu City reactivates disaster responders in 80 barangays.
- Councilor Joel Garganera oversees the Disaster Risk Reduction Office.
- Acting Mayor Alvin Garcia instructs Task Force Gubat sa Baha to expedite flood prevention measures.
- Collaboration between city offices aims to minimize flood damage.
- Forecasts suggest an increased probability of La Niña, bringing more rainfall.
By reactivating village disaster responders, Cebu City demonstrates its commitment to community safety and preparedness.
As La Niña approaches, these proactive measures are vital in ensuring the well-being of its residents and the resilience of its infrastructure.
Sources: THX News, Sun Star, Cebu City, The Freeman & Philippine News Agency.
