DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 March) — Compostela Valley province on Monday ordered a temporary stoppage of all mining operations and ordered a forced evacuation in several danger zones as Tropical Depression “Chedeng” moved closer to Davao region.
Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, in a radio transmission message issued on Monday afternoon, directed Eugene Alaba, provincial environment and natural resources officer, to disseminate the information in all local government units, especially those towns with small-scale gold mining sites.
Uy said the preemptive evacuation was in anticipation of possible flooding and landslides in case the weather disturbance would bring with it heavy rains.
Earlier, the local government units of Montevista, Mawab, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan and New Bataan have suspended classes for public and private schools in all levels.
Uy said all preparations were being done to mitigate the impact of “Chedeng”.
In Davao del Norte, classes were also suspended on Monday afternoon in all towns except Sto. Tomas.
Based on the weather advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued 5:00pm Monday, “Chedeng” was spotted around 285 kilometers east southeast of Davao City at 4pm.
The storm was moving west at 15 kilometers per hour. It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60kph.
Public storm warning signal no.1 has been hoisted over Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao City, and southern portion of Davao del Norte including Island Garden City of Samal, and eastern portion of North Cotabato, eastern portion of South Cotabato, eastern portion of Sarangani and eastern portion of Sultan Kudarat in Soccsksargen. (Mart Sambalud/MindaNews)