As congestion builds up, centralized relief drive appealed

Local

AUTHORITIES are calling on the public to coordinate aid deliveries to northern Cebu, warning that heavy traffic and uncoordinated relief efforts are slowing down emergency response following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Central Visayas and the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council issued a joint advisory urging individuals and groups to avoid going directly to affected areas.

Officials stressed that ongoing aftershocks still pose safety risks.

“The overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity of those who have stepped forward to help with our ongoing relief operations is highly appreciated. However, we appeal to individuals and groups to refrain from going directly to the affected areas in northern Cebu, as ongoing aftershocks still pose a safety risk,” the councils said.

Authorities encouraged donors to send aid through local government units or accredited agencies, which can track the most affected barangays and prevent duplication or gaps in assistance.

Truck ban

To ease logistical challenges, Governor Pamela Baricuatro temporarily lifted the truck ban across Cebu Province through an executive order signed on October 2.

The order allows trucks carrying relief goods, fuel, and construction materials to use provincial and national roads without restriction until the State of Calamity is lifted.

“Logistics is really our main challenge right now. The roads going north are congested, and we don’t want relief trucks delayed,” Baricuatro said during a press briefing on October 3.

Interventions

She instructed volunteers and private groups to coordinate deliveries through the Capitol’s command center in Bogo City to ensure safety and efficiency.

The Philippine National Police has set up checkpoints along the national highway to track the movement and distribution of relief goods.

Officials clarified that the checkpoints are meant for coordination, monitoring, and safety, not to restrict aid deliveries.

Public Health Consultant Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of the governor, issued a post on Saturday highlighting the dangers of congesting the roads.

She said that heavy traffic can delay ambulances, medical teams, water trucks, and other essential vehicles, and stressed that accidents pose additional risks, especially to children, the elderly, and other vulnerable passengers.

Catalan noted that CPH Bogo is a Level 2 hospital with an operating room but is not fully functional, and patients requiring trauma care would need transport to CPH Danao or tertiary hospitals in Cebu City.

Catalan also warned that strong aftershocks could damage structures, making rescue efforts slower if traffic remains heavy. She emphasized the need for sustained support beyond immediate relief.

“Help is always welcomed… Relief, response, and rehabilitation go beyond this weekend. The road ahead is long, and we will need sustained support. Amping tang tanan. Be safe!” she wrote.

Worst traffic

Traffic remained heavy on Saturday, October 4, as trucks and private vehicles transported relief goods to northern Cebu.

Many social media users reported that their journey from Cebu City to Bogo City took over six hours, despite the trip normally taking just two to four hours depending on traffic.

Authorities also reported an accident on the Transcentral Highway in Barangay Cansumoroy, Balamban, where a pickup truck carrying repacked rice and bottled water overturned.

The magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City.

Authorities continue to focus on distributing food, clean water, modular shelters, and hygiene kits, carrying out relief and clearing operations alongside national agencies, local governments, and private partners.(MyTVCebu)