DAGUPAN CITY — The city government here is gearing up for the onslaught of Typhoon Rosita, which is expected to hit Northern and Central Luzon Tuesday.
Mayor Belen Fernandez said the Quick Response Team (QRT) has been activated for any pre-emptive evacuation the city could accommodate.
“We have met with the core departments in the city, together with the barangay captains, to warn all Dagupeños, especially the people living in coastal areas. Dapat maaga ang evacuation (Evacuation should be done early),” she said in an interview on Monday.
Schools with three-storey buildings may be used as evacuation centers, she added.
Aside from residents in coastal areas, Fernandez advised those living in the city’s river system to evacuate as early as possible.
“Evacuation centers are already open and available for residents,” she said.
“But we would also like to ask for the cooperation of Dagupeños with high and large houses to provide shelter for their relatives and neighbors. It’s time to show our Bayanihan spirit.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared storm surges as high as four meters in coastal areas, including this city.
Meanwhile, through an executive order, Fernandez declared the suspension of classes in all levels on Oct. 30 and 31, while work in government was suspended on Oct. 30 only.
The suspension, however, does not involve government agencies, offices or their respective departments involved in rescue, relief, and monitoring operations, to ensure order and safety in the city, as well as public health.
Private agencies were left up to their employers’ discretion. Ahikam Pasion/PNA-northboundasia.com