The Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) received a request from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office through the Office of the Civil Defense 7 yesterday, asking for a Search and Rescue (SRR) Team to be sent to Bicol for immediate operations.
Nagiel B. Bañacia, the head of the Lapu-Lapu DRRMO, immediately organized the team, and Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan swiftly approved the mission to the Bicol region.
The SAR team left at 6 AM today aboard a PAF C-130 bound for the Bicol Region.
Meanwhile, at least 204 individuals, or 49 families, were evacuated yesterday from their homes in Sitio Litmon, a coastal area in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City in southern Cebu, to a safer covered basketball court.
This was after strong winds and large waves destroyed several houses and belongings of some Litmon residents.
Members of the Talisay City Police Station and Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) closely monitored the residents in the area and quickly evacuated the affected residents to a safer place.
Authorities also coordinated with the city’s barangays and the Philippine Coast Guard to prohibit swimming and bathing in the beaches to prevent any accidents or untoward incidents.
Ensign Abel Jhon Lomboy, the PCG-7 Information Officer, said that sea travel remains suspended.
While they are waiting for the suspension to be lifted, he advised the public to follow their advice and stay updated on the latest developments.