Cavite’s coastal residents stay alert for flood, storm surge as Ambo nears

Residents living in coastal areas in Cavite have started preparing for possible evacuation as they brace themselves for the effects of Typhoon Ambo.

“Kung kailangan lumikas, lilikas kami. ‘Pag ganiyang may low pressure, nakatutok kami lagi sa TV,” said Alvin dela Cruz, a resident of Barangay Bancaan in Naic, said in Dano Tingcungco’s 24 Oras report on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Barangay Bancaan captain Jerry Barrera said they are already prepared to convert the nearby school, church, and covered court into evacuation centers in case they will be needed.

“Dito kasi sampu ‘yong classroom dito at ‘yong amin namang simbahan at itong aming covered court pwede namang evacuatoin center at ganoon pa rin papatupad pa rin ang social distancing dito,” Barrera said.

The Cavite Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said it has already activated its operations on Monday to prepare for possible evacuation.

Cavite PDRRMO operations head Mark Bawalan said they need to double their facilities so residents can still observe social distancing amid the threat of COVID-19.

“Slight changes siguro natin is we always have to consider ‘yong ating mga social distancing protocols,” Bawalan said.

The Cavite PDRRMO added it is continuously monitoring the situation of the typhoon, even as food packs and hygiene kits are already on standby.

“Ang resources natin is just enough for a regular search and rescue operation so ‘di tayo agad mayroong ganoong karami na doble,” Eloisa Rozul said.

“We call it incident complex. Two incidents na hinahawakan so mas madali kasi nandiyan na siya eh. Kunwari sa COVID-19 sila nakafocus, madadagdagan ang search and rescue so additional manpower, additional strategies pero they’re prepared,” she added.

According to the provincial government, coastal areas such as Naic, Ternate, Cavite City, Novelete and Rosario are the ones prone to flooding and storm surge.

Meanwhile, inland areas such as Bacoor, Imus and General Trias are also advised to stay alert. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News