BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Strong winds and big waves due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm “Carina” damaged several houses in the coastal area of Zone 5 in Barangay Boulevard, Molo district.
Affected residents were forced to evacuate to safer places yesterday morning.
Village watchman Loyd Bersonia said strong waves began battering their houses past 7 a.m.
Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Health Office, Public Safety, Traffic and Management Office, City Welfare Development Office, the police, and other concerned City Hall department heads for an emergency meeting.
The city risk management office is currently assessing the actual number of affected families.
“There are affected families. We will decide what to do with those affected,” said Treñas.
The city disaster office also issued an advisory urging affected residents to monitor weather alerts and warnings.
It suggested moving valuable items and furniture to higher floors or elevating them above potential flood levels.
The residents are urged to secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
Authorities encourage the residents to prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
Mariners of motorized bancas and similar-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures or avoid navigation under the current weather conditions.
In its latest advisory yesterday, Pag-asa forecasted the storm to move generally northwestward today, then northward on Tuesday.
The storm is forecast to steadily intensify over the next four days due to a favorable environment. It is forecast to become a severe tropical storm by tomorrow and reach the typhoon category on Tuesday.
Considering these weather disturbances, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
Those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
The storm will remain far from the Philippine landmass and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday while moving near the islands in the Ryukyu archipelago.
Outside the PAR, Carina will turn generally northwestward on Thursday, July 25, over the East China Sea, passing near or over Senkaku Islands./PN
