THE CITY Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) announced on Tuesday that the third River-Wide Flood Simulation Exercise (Simex) is set for Saturday, Sept. 27.
CDRRMO acting division chief Lyndon Ancajas told Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday that the drill will cover several barangays along the Davao River, such as Mandug, Waan, Ma-a, Tigatto, 9-B, 9-A, 10-A, 5-A, 8-A, 3, 2-A, 1-A, Matina Crossing, and Bucana.
“The goal of this activity is to train communities and prepare for the possibility of flooding and test the capacity of responders,” Ancajas said in an interview with city-owned disaster radio.
The activity is set around 2 pm.
Ancajas said a coordination meeting was conducted with the affected barangays, volunteers, and government offices.
“We have to be vigilant of our weather changes following the incident in Mini Asik-Asik falls,” Ancajas said.
He cited the Pag-asa advisory on the possible development of La Niña in October.
Ancajas noted the success of last year’s simulation exercise in Barangay Toril reflected in the faster reaction of the community in the area during the call for evacuation.
The office is strengthening the implementation of Ordinance No. 0246-23, or the “Ordinance Establishing the Integrated Preemptive Emergency Evacuation System in Case of Emergency Caused by Natural or Man-Made Hazards or Disasters and Providing Penalties Thereof.”
The ordinance penalizes individuals who willfully or forcefully delay rescue operations, or resist or refuse to evacuate despite imminent danger and a declared preemptive evacuation.
With the ordinance, Ancajas noted that residents are more willing to cooperate with rescuers in times of disaster. Violators may face a fine of Php 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one month, at the discretion of the court.
