By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, (PNA) -– Superstorm Ruby may not directly affect Davao area but the local government units are not taking chances as it could bring heavy rain causing flooding in many parts of the region, especially in Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte.
Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has suspended classes from pre-school to high school level in the province of Davao del Norte starting December 5, 2014, as a preemptive measure.
Del Rosario on Thursday issued the memorandum “due to impending threat to safety and security that may arise from having bad weather condition” brought by Ruby.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) identified the province as among the critical areas to be affected by the storm.
The governor directed the local government units and residents to closely monitor the development of the typhoon and to prepare for any eventuality.
He also enjoined the respective local disaster management officials to strictly operate the Incident Command System (ICS), which was still in effect since its activation last November 26, 2014 during the onset of tropical depression Queenie, where the province was placed under Signal No. 1.
The governor appealed for public cooperation, while reiterating the province’s determination to achieve zero casualty in any calamity.
“We cannot take chances. Our goal is to achieve zero casualty,” he told public officials during the Regular Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).
Del Rosario asked everyone not to be complacent and to be ever watchful given Typhoon Ruby’s unpredictable track.
In Boston, Davao Oriental, people are on alert. Boston is the adjacent municipality to Surigao del Sur, one of the areas placed under Signal No.1.
In Davao del Sur, residents in 11 coastal areas braced for the effect of Typhoon Ruby in their area. They have also asked their men to monitor at night for fear of destructive huge waves.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Wendy Rosario visited police stations in Davao Oriental to verify their preparedness for Typhoon Ruby.
Rosario told the chiefs of the police stations to stay together to be always prepared to render assistance before, during and after typhoon and even handed cash allowances as resources to spend in any services that cops could offer. (PNA)