The composite team from the Tagbiaran City Police Station, City Fire Station and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) during the clearing operations just right after the typhoon passed by the city dawn of Dec. 17, 2021. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City is mustering its resolve to rise from the wrath of typhoon Odette.
The recovery of the city from the impact of the typhoon actually started before the weather disturbance hit the province on Dec. 16, 2021.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) convened for the pre-disaster risk assessment a day before the typhoon unleashed her fury.
The meeting identified the possible needs as a result of the wrath of the typhoon, which has destroyed many homes and caused flooding in many parts of the province.
The Incident Management Team (IMT) convened with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Gerard Lavadia presiding over the meeting to chart the plans in anticipation of the typhoon’s impact on the city.
City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II tasked the IMT to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Tagbilaranons.
The mayor has ordered the pre-emptive evacuation of some residents in the 9 coastal barangays in the city.
They were brought to designated evacuation centers which are the Manga High School, Dr. CecilioPutong National High School, City Central Elementary School, Bool Elementary School, Taloto Elementary School, Upper Cogon Elementary School, Tiptip Elementary School, Manga Elementary School, and City East Elementary School.
Around 267 families or 1,270 individuals were evacuated as part of the mitigation efforts to cushion the impact of the severe weather disturbance.
Food packs were distributed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) to the evacuees now staying at evacuation centers.
It was reported that rescue efforts by the emergency responders were stalled due to zero visibility.
A composite team from the Tagbilaran City Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection and the CDRRMC made a quick assessment of the situation in the city moments after the strong winds subsided at the early morning of Dec. 17, 2021.
Moreover, Lavadia said the help for the typhoon victims will consist of relief, financial, and livelihood assistance.
Reports say that P9.4 million in funds were allocated by the Sangguniang Panglungsod to be used for the procurement of the food packs that will be used in the relief operations.
Around P30 million in quick response funds will be made available soon, according to Lavadia.