The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) reminded the public to follow advisories on preemptive evacuation during calamities.
According to CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran, preemptive evacuation will also help avoid a rescue operation, which requires a massive effort from personnel as well as expenses for the use of equipment.
“If everyone will follow upon our warnings to evacuate, there’s no need for a rescue operation anymore. But if there are still people left in areas, we are obliged to rescue them,” Baloran said.
He also added that the reason why they are aiming for a zero rescue operation is to teach a lesson to “people with stubborn attitude.”
“Our purpose is not to disturb them but to save their lives because we know when there’s a calamity, we know how big the effect is,” he said.
The CDRRMO identified Matina Crossing, Barangay Ma-a, Bankerohan, Barangay 19, Barangay Talomo and Barangay Lasang as flood-prone areas.
Baloran assured that these areas have been installed with early warning devices such sirens and water-level control gates.
“Once we monitor critical level of water along Davao River or Talomo River, we immediately warn those residents living along the riverbanks to do preemptive evacuations. If it’s already in color red, we will implement forced evacuation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Pagasa said Davao City will be experiencing cloudy skies with isolated rain showers until April.
