Cebu City Disaster on Alert for Storm ‘Dodong’

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) is on alert for a tropical storm threatening to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning.

The tropical storm, with international name “Noul”, would be called “Dodong” once it enters the PAR, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Dodong” would likely make a landfall over Bicol on Saturday.

But Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he has already instructed Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, chief of CCDRRMC, to convene the disaster team and prepare for the storm even if the city is not directly on its path.

“I am telling them to already prepare for whatever eventualities for that will be the best thing for us to do,” Rama said.

Tumulak said the disaster teams of the different barangays in the city were already informed on the incoming typhoon.

He said the Department of Engineering and Public Works, together with the Cebu City Contractors’ Association, will also conduct a massive cleanup drive of different canals and rivers in the city in preparation of the heavy rainfall in the coming days.

Engineer Oscar Tabada, Pagasa-Visayas chief weather specialist, said the storm is heading towards Luzon.

Tabada said there is a possibility it will intensify because of the warm sea surface during the El Nino.

Tabada said said fewer tropical cyclones will enter the PAR this year, fewer than the average which is 19 to 20. (PNA) LGI/EB/NOD