Coast Guard readies teams for Inday

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas was placed on heightened alert in preparation for Super Typhoon Inday, which was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this week.

Inday, internationally known as Super Typhoon Bavi before its expected entry into PAR, was forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to enter the country’s monitoring area between Tuesday night and early Wednesday.

The Coast Guard district and its stations, together with substations in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental, started activating their deployable response groups Tuesday for the typhoon’s potential effects.

Response teams equipped with essential gear and equipment were placed on standby and readied for immediate deployment to protect coastal communities and assist in emergency operations arising from adverse weather conditions.

The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas advised the public to remain prepared and alert.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, from July 7–8 due to the threat posed by the typhoon.

In an executive order, Cardenas cited the PAGASA forecast that the typhoon was expected to enter PAR between Tuesday night and early Wednesday and enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and other weather disturbances.

He said it was imperative for the city government and the public to undertake necessary preparedness and preemptive measures to minimize risks and ensure public safety.

Cardenas said Canlaon City, being part of the Visayas, could experience adverse weather conditions that could endanger the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was directed to continuously monitor weather advisories and coordinate with concerned agencies to recommend and implement measures to protect lives and property.

Cardenas led an emergency meeting Monday with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, barangay captains, and concerned agencies to strengthen preparedness and response measures for the possible effects of the typhoon.

Canlaon was among the local government units in Negros Oriental severely hit by Typhoon Tino last year, with reported casualties.