Stay alert

Public told to be vigilant of area as rainy season begins

Now that rainy season has arrived, the Davao City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (CDDRMC) encouraged anew the public to be alert especially those residents living in areas that are classified as danger zone.

CDRRMC operation officer Rodrigo Bustillo issued this warning yesterday now that weather has become unpredicatble due to climate change.

He said that they continue the conduct of flood drills and trainings among the responders to be equipped with the skills in preparation of disasters.

“Our advisory and monitoring is regular considering the rainy season, our focus of advise are the landslide and flood prone areas,” he said.

He added that the Barangay (BDRRMC) and volunteers are prepositioned for any untowards incidents that may arise and for quicker disaster response.

He said all barangays near river system and slope areas are considered as danger zones. Examples of these are Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, and Matina Aplaya, among other.

Information drive and campaign on the proper actions to do in case of heavy floods have also been strengtened in an effort to make a disasterresilient community.

The city government already has a program to encourage the residents in hazard zones to relocate to safer grounds through the giving of incentives.

It can be recalled that last year, Davao City was affected by the Tropical Storm Vinta and even though the city only experienced light rain showers, flooding was experienced in settlements around Davao River as heavy rainfall in Bukidnon and uplands of Davao City caused the river to swell. Thousands of residents were displacer during that time.

Authorities have been calling the public to always heed their warnings and be informed about current weather situation to avoid any eventualities.