Rains trigger landslides in Cebu, Talisay cities

CEBU CITY – Continuous rains since Wednesday triggered pocket landslides here and in Talisay City but fortunately did not result in casualties or injuries.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) said a landslide occurred in Barangay Kalunasan, this city, Thursday night, partially damaging the multi-purpose building of Kalunasan Elementary School.

School administrators immediately ordered the suspension of classes.

The CCDRRMO urged barangay officials to closely monitor residents living in landslide and flash flood prone areas.

The Cebu City local government has already deployed heavy equipment in mountain barangays to immediately respond to possible landslides.

In Talisay City, a landslide also took place in the mountain barangay of Manipis before noon Thursday, blocking the access road that links Cebu City to Toledo City.

The road towards Toledo City was deemed impassable but heavy equipment and clearing teams have already been deployed.

Weather forecaster Oscar Tabada said the rain that started s Wednesday afternoon will continue until next week, although the downpour will be light to moderate due to the low pressure area spotted in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) advised operators of vessels to b use extreme caution when sailing towards the different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

PCG-Cebu Commander Agapito Bibat said that while there is no advisory or gale warning that would merit the suspension of sea travel, it is still the prerogative of the ship captains whether or not to set sail. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)