New storm eyed as Capitol offers aid

AS Cebu officials ready preparations for the rainy season, yet another low pressure area was spotted outside of the country that could develop into a tropical cyclone.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysicial and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the low pressure area may develop into a storm and enter the country in the heels of tropical storm Bebeng by tomorrow.

If it intensifies into a cyclone, the new weather disturbance will be named “Chedeng,” Pagasa said.

In Naga City, the provincial government said it will extend assistance to the 11 families affected by a landslide in a portion of a farmland in barangay Bairan.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she called up Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong yesterday and offered the Capitol’s assistance to the families.

The mayor said in a TV interview that the 11 families lost their homes due to the landslide.

Garcia said she ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to deliver canned goods, noodles, utensils and beddings for the families.

She also said the PSWDO will recommend the budget needed for financial aid to these households.

Chiong said he ordered personnel to build an artesian well for the residents after the landslide covered their water source.

About P5,000 in financial aid will be given to the families, who were advised to relocate to avoid being buried in a possible landslide.

In Mandaue City, barangay captains were told to meet regularly with residents on calamity and disaster preparedness.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede said the meetings can help raise awareness and vigilance among the residents of the 27 barangays concerning disaster response and actions. Inquirer with Correspondents Fe Marie Dumaboc and Princess Kathleene Gabunales