BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA
CEBU CITY, July 15 (PIA)--- Tropical storm Glenda damaged three motorized bancas in Medellin town early this morning
As of 12 noon today, reports of damage to property were noted in the northern town of Medellin involving one of the three motorized bancas, two are from Gigante Ilolilo carrying loads of salted fish or “ginamos”.
According to Giles Villamor, information officer of Medellin town, M/BCA Carlos Ricky and M/BCA Florbelley wanted to dock into Alpine Wharf at 8 this morning.
However the strong waves of typhoon Glenda made it hard for them to dock prompting the crew to find ways in transferring the loads of salted fish and passengers to the port. Nearby residents and the Medellin Rescue team helped the.
M/BCA Carlos Ricky was shattered by the waves while M/BCA Florbelly capsized. On the other hand another motorbanca from barangay Mahawak owned by Arceli Tuico was also partially damaged.
M/BCA Carlos Ricky is reportedly owned by Ma. Jojie Navarette of Gigante, Iloilo.
Residents and Medellin Rescue Team were able to help another motorbanca M/BCA Abunado dragged to safer areas to prevent damage.
On the other hand, all local disaster risk reduction management offices in the northern towns have activated their respective emergency response teams.
Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana in Bantayan Island had ordered the suspension of classes as early as 8 in the morning and advised all those near the shores to take necessary precautions.
According to Cris Esgana, Santa Fe Information Officer, Barangay Volunteers Emergency Rescue Team are already deployed in their respective assignments specially in identified low lying areas.
So far as of 12 noon, municipalities of Santa Fe, San Remegio, Medellin in northern Cebu declared suspension of classes in public elementary and high school.
In Metro Cebu, cities of Talisay and Cebu suspended classes also in all public elementary and high school because of the heavy rains and strong winds.
The town of Balamban in southest Cebu also declared suspension of classes for the safety of children.
So far 18 vessels bound for Ormoc, Biliran, Bohol and Leyte were grounded by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Philippine Air Lines on the other hand announced earlier cancellation of their four flights to Manila today.
As of two pm only the island of Camotes was declared under Storm Signal number 1. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)