FLOODS SOAK SALES OF COLON VENDORS

Vendors in Colon face difficulties due to rains, flooding but CDRMMO head Nagiel Banacia says it is also a blessing to parched areas in Cebu City

The heavy rains and flooding last Thursday caused problems to some vendors in Colon area and hampered some commuters, especially to students who have classes.

Miguel Villafuerte, a food vendor in Colon area said that he was worried about their sales since they had no idea when the rains and the flooding would stop and it hit them during their peak hours.

“Nabalaka mi kay tinghalin unta tong orasa kay alas dose na man, unya wala pod mi kahibaw kung unsa oras mahunong ang uwan kay kusogra ba to kaayosa tanan,” said Villafuerte.

He also said he is also concerned about his health since it was hot that morning when he started selling before the weather turned for the worse.

“Maapektuhan pod ang among halin labi na kung kusog kaayo ang uwan kay mabasa man sad ang among gitinda,” Villafuerte said.

Despite the heavy rains and flooding yesterday, Villafuerte is still positive that they can still recover from their losses.

On the other hand, another vendor, Lovely Mag-asin said it was a hassle on her part since she had no idea where to go.

She also asked the concerned agencies to declog the drainage in Colon to stop heavy flooding in the area.

On Magallanes Street, Jaya Bucao said that the rain didn’t stop her from selling her products, but there were no costumers because she was only using an umbrella.

On the other hand, Jan DawyneTuico, a student, said it was hard for him to commute due to the strong winds and rain in Barrio Luz.

“I have a class at 11:30 a.m. and I had no choice nga musuong nalang kay sa magpa late ko sa klase,” Tuico said.

He said he had a hard time in going to school when he got off on V. Gullas Street due to the flooding.

“Maayo na lang kay nakadala ko og tsinelas aron sa school na lang ko mag ilis og shoes,” he added. Also due to the downpour Thursday, a riprap in Laguerta, Lahug, Cebu City got destroyed.

Cebu City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) head Nigel Bañacia said no casualties or damage to houses were reported.

Bañacia said the incident was not a landslide as the riprap--or loose stone used to form a foundation for a breakwater--was just crushed because of the heavy rain.

Meanwhile, he considered the series of rain for this week as a blessing especially to some areas in Cebu where there is shortage in the supply of water for at least three weeks now.

Bañacia reminded the public to throw the garbage properly because this is the main cause of flood especially in urban area.

He also assured that CCDRRMO is ready to help during a situation like this. / Cebu is forecasted to experience thunderstorms for this weekend with 90 to 100 percent chances of rain.