Power service interruption in many parts of Cebu due to Odette

The power utility company in Cebu has announced a power outage in a large portion of Cebu due to the strong winds brought about by Typhoon Odette.

"95% of our franchise area are interrupted due to strong winds," according to the statement posted by the Visayan Electric Company, Inc. or VECO.

The electric utility company serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Naga as well as the towns of Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando.

"We have suspended our line restoration and survey works since the weather has worsened and it will be unsafe for everyone," said Veco in a statement.

In Cebu City, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) and Barangay responders on Thursday led evacuation activities.

So far, about 6,400 residents have been evacuated.

The CCDRMO led about 400 residents of Barangay Mambaling  on Wednesday evening to an evacuation center.

In Mandaue City, a pre-emptive evacuation was enforced early Thursday evening with about 1,700 families sent to designated evacuation centers.

"The City Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Office (DRRMO) implemented the evacuation while personnel from the City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWS) as well as the barangay personnel takes charge with providing for the needs of the evacuees," the city information office posted.

Lapu-Lapu City Risk Reduction and Disaster Management head Nagiel B. Bañacia announced that the priority is to clear the roads before rescue operations are conducted.

He said clearing operations will commence by midnight on the roads that lead to the hospital. -- BAP, GMA News