FLOOD-PRONE AREAS ADVISED TO BE ON ALERT

The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has stepped up its alert system in the barangays, especially in landslide and flood-prone areas, as chances of a weak La Niña is developing starting this month. Whenever possible, residents in danger zones are advised to slowly seek shelter in safe areas to avoid damages and loss of lives or be on their toes for pre-evacuation procedures. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG ASA) has announced that current conditions and model forecasts show there is more than fifty percent chance that a weak La Niña will develop either late October or November 2020 until the first quarter of 2021.

According to CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran, this means heavy or above-normal rainfall than usual and thunderstorms will directly affect flood-prone areas and landslide areas in the city.

“We are actively informing the barangays, areas in Davao City nga directly affected ani nga hazards. Labi na katong mga lugar nga flood-prone areas, and landslide areas (We are actively informing the barangays, areas in Davao City which are directly affected by hazards, especially those in flood-prone areas, and landslide areas),” he said.

Baloran added that the information dissemination in barangays has constantly been in motion even without the threat of La Niña, but prioritizes his team’s visit to the hazard-prone areas because of the weather advisory.

CDRRMO identified areas near the Lipadas, Talomo, Matina, Davao, Bunawan, Lasang Rivers as flood-prone areas, and those near the Panacan, Bago, and Mintal Creeks.The office also identified landslide-prone areas in Brgy. Matina Crossing – Purok Guadalupe, Quinones Compound, Pluto St. GSIS, Shrine Hills (Diversion Rd), Broadcast Ave., Shrine Hills, and Milky Way and Virgo St. in GSIS Heights; DDF Village in Brgy. Mandug; Purok Damayan in Brgy. Buhangin; Brgy. Maa  – Juario Village, Purok 9 and Nacilla Village in Shrine Hills, Dinaville Subdivision, and Yñiquez Village; Awhag Subdivision in Brgy. 19; Jimenez Compound, Old Dumpsite and Shrine Hills along Diversion Road in Brgy. Matina Pangi; Purok 26B in Panacan; Purok 16 in Brgy. Tigatto; Purok Acacia in Brgy. Tamugan; and, Purok 8 in Brgy.

 Lacson.Baloran asked the barangay officials to advise the informal settlers in these areas to evacuate as early as now to avoid damages or loss of life in the future.

“Kaning mga nagapuyo sa mga hazard prone areas, kanunay gyud ang peligro sa ilang kunabuhi diha. Maong ginahangyo nato sila na kung pwede, makapangita sila og laing lugar nga kapuy an para dili pud madistorbo ang ilang pagpuyo sa kanunay nga nay mga weather disturbances (The lives of the residents in hazard-prone areas are always at risk. That is why we are asking them, if possible, look for other places to settle so that they will not be constantly inconvenienced whenever there are weather disturbances),” Baloran said.Baloran also called on all Dabawenyos to always listen to advisories. “Kanunay ta maminaw sa mga advisories, mga pahimangno ug mutuman ta kung naay ipahigayon nga evacuation (Always listen to the advisories and reminders, and heed calls for evacuation),” he said.

 CIO