Mayor Evelio Leonardia called on Bacolodnons Thursday, December 16, to be on guard and ensure their safety as Bacolod is in the path of super Typhoon “Odette” as it makes its way to Guimaras and Panay islands early Friday morning.
“Let me also ask everyone to pray to the Lord Almighty for protection from any harm that may be caused by heavy rains and strong winds that come with this weather disturbance,” Leonardia said.
Landslides, floods and surges are imminent, particularly in low-lying areas and coastal villages as well as residential communities near bodies of water such as rivers and creeks, he said.
“Odette” has already been classified as a “super typhoon” by the US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) with maximum sustained winds of up to 259 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 340 kph. Its diameter is said to be 340 kilometers wide, Leonardia added.
“It is a very strong typhoon that can wrought havoc on structures, trees, among others, on its path. You’re City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, medical teams, other partner agencies and rescue units, as well as all Barangay DRRMCs, have been on standby to immediately respond to any calamity-related emergencies,” he assured.
Evacuation centers, relief packs, both food and non-food, are being readied as well as the transport services for rescue operations and generating sets in case of power outages at evacuation sites, Leonardia said.*