Mandaue readies emergency vehicles, evac centers for ‘Tino’

Local

THE city government of Mandaue has made needed preparations for the approaching Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi).

Evacuation centers will be activated, and transport provided to ensure the swift and safe relocation of residents in high-risk zones, an Executive Order (EO) issued by Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano stated.

Issued on Nov. 3, the EO directs pre-emptive evacuation under City Ordinance No. 16-2022-1753. The ordinance empowers the city government to enforce evacuations when imminent danger to life is detected.

The EO cites Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) and Republic Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010), mandating local authorities to ensure the protection and welfare of residents before, during, and after disasters, with the city mayor and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as the primary implementers.

The EO follows an assessment by the DRRMO and CDRRM, which recommended pre-emptive evacuation due to hazards and dangers posed by Typhoon Tino, particularly in high-risk zones.

Ouano stressed that the order seeks to ensure “the swift, orderly, and effective enforcement, and safeguard the welfare and safety of all Mandauehanons.”

All Punong Barangays are tasked with implementing mandatory evacuations in designated danger areas. Announcements will be made through barangay alerts, sirens, and social media.

City- and barangay-provided vehicles will transport residents to designated evacuation centers, where evacuees will remain until authorities declare the threat has passed.

Evacuation centers will be managed by barangay officials, supported by the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and barangay tanods.

Centers will have 24/7 manned checkpoints, internal patrols, fire inspections, and segregated sleeping areas for women, children, and families.

The City Health Office will designate isolation areas for evacuees showing symptoms of infectious diseases.

Ouano emphasized that human life remains the city government’s top priority.

“The welfare and safety of Mandauehanons is our top priority. We are taking every measure to protect our constituents before the typhoon hits,” he said.

The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in force unless revoked or superseded.

Residents are urged to follow all instructions from barangay and city officials to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation.

Meanwhile, in Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Cindi Chan convened department and office heads along with representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Lapu-Lapu City and the Mactan Electric Company to prepare for the approaching storm.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has issued a Yellow Warning for possible flooding in low-lying areas.

Chan directed the City General Services Office to ensure all response and frontline vehicles are fully fueled for rapid deployment.

She also ordered the City Hospital, Sta. Rosa Community Hospital, City Health Office, and Barangay Health Centers to remain open throughout the storm and instructed them to prepare anti-tetanus vaccines and other emergency medicines.

Chan also announced the suspension of work for non-essential city government employees from 3:00 p.m. November 3 until 12:00 noon November 4, with frontline offices exempted.(MyTVCebu)