OCD in ‘blue alert’

THE regional Office of Civil Defense (OCD 11) said it is currently in “blue alert” status for the whole duration of Undas 2017, citing isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms and Low Pressure Area (LPA).

Blue alert status means that the OCD is in coordination with the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

OCD 11 spokesperson Mc Adrian Cubero said yesterday that Davao region will have cloudy skies that may bring rain showers, particularly in the afternoon and evening, but little chance in the morning and noon.

Therefore, he advised the public to bring with them umbrellas because of potential rainshowers.

“Always be prepared for any untoward incident, iba na rin kasi ang handa,” he said.

Based on the Mindanao weather forecast of the Philippine Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued at 5 a.m. yesterday, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 125 km East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (9.7N, 126.6 E) Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

“The regions of Caraga, Davao and Northern Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the LPA. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms,” the forecast said.

The winds will be moderate to strong coming from the northeast over the eastern section of Mindanao with moderate to rough seas, and in other areas there will be light to moderate winds coming from the Northeast to North and the coastal waters will be slight to moderate.

Meanwhile, the recent rainfall in the past few days triggered landslide at the Old Dumpsite section of the Davao City Diversion Road along Carlos P. Garcia Highway that prompted authorities to close it Sunday and Monday.

But as of yesterday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 11 opened Diversion Road after the clearing operation was completed.