Cebu City on alert due to ‘Verbena’

Local

CEBU City raised its alert to the second-highest level, suspended classes, and mobilized all 80 barangays for full-scale disaster preparedness.

This comes as Tropical Depression Verbena moves closer, with heavy rains already impacting saturated communities.

On Sunday night, Nov. 23, the city was placed under Code Blue, signaling heightened readiness for floods, landslides, and potential evacuations.

The weather disturbance threatens to bring more rain to areas already hit hard in recent weeks.

Mayor Nestor Archival ordered the suspension of all face-to-face classes in public and private schools on Monday, Nov. 24, directing institutions to shift to modular or asynchronous learning modes.

All disaster, rescue, engineering, medical, traffic, and barangay teams were placed on full alert, with evacuation centers already open and supplies prepositioned. Clearing operations are also on standby in landslide-prone mountain barangays.

“Residents in high-risk zones are urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel,” the city government announced.

It added that restoration work for water, power, and major roads is ongoing as affected communities continue to recover from previous weather disturbances.

Moreover, a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) involving all 80 barangays is underway as the city braces for worsening conditions.

The assessment includes validation of landslide- and flood-prone zones, readiness checks of evacuation centers, coordination with barangay disaster units, deployment plans for quick-response teams, and activation of early-warning systems and communication lines.

Barangay captains were directed to begin early evacuations, particularly for residents living near rivers, slopes, and known flood-prone areas.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the CCDRRMC, warned that multiple weather systems are converging over the region.

“Duna tay mga torrential rains nga mahitabo mao nay hinungdan nga atong ipahibaw sa atong mga barangays ug sa atong mga katawhan nga kung naa man gani ka nagpuyo sa usa ka lugar nga lunopanan, palihog paghiklin lang daan kay wala ta kahibaw niining sitwasyon karon,” he said.

He noted that Cebu is simultaneously affected by four systems—the shear line, northeast monsoon, Tropical Depression Verbena, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

“Wa ta kahibaw og unsay extent ani… mao na nga maniid ta,” he added.

Oscar Tabada, the city’s resident meteorologist, said Verbena’s expected rainfall volume is significantly lower than that of Typhoon Tino, but still enough to pose risks to communities already weakened by recent flooding.

“Ang volume of water karon ani ni Verbena is ¼ of what we have ni Tino… karon 270,000 ka barrel ang atong gi-expect,” he said.

Tumulak reiterated the city’s goal of zero casualties and the need for strong barangay coordination as Verbena approaches.

Meanwhile, to minimize wind hazards, the Office of the Building Official (OBO) issued an advisory requiring all owners of billboards, large tarpaulins, and outdoor signage to dismantle or reinforce their installations immediately.

The agency warned that unsecured structures may collapse or become debris during strong winds, posing danger to motorists and pedestrians.

“Your timely action and cooperation are crucial in helping maintain public safety,” OBO said.

Tropical Depression Verbena is expected to continue intensifying as it moves westward. Pagasa earlier placed Cebu under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, indicating possible strong winds and minimal to minor impacts, but significant risk of heavy rains.

The public is advised to stay tuned to official announcements from the Cebu City Government, CCDRRMO, and Pagasa.(TGP)