By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, recommended to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for the “Blue Alert” status in the province to remain until December of this year.

According to Caelian, it would be the best option to have all local government units to remain on alert and prepared, pointing out that based on data released by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the months of November and December are usually the times when some of the storms which cross the Visayas make landfall over Negros.

Caelian further pointed out that it would not be wise that an alert status only be declared when the storm has already entered.

He also confirmed since Typhoon “Quinta” had exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the “Blue Alert” status declared by Lacson over the weekend was immediately lifted.

Last Friday, Lacson placed the province under “Blue Alert” status pointing out “Quinta” may bring scattered light to moderate or at time heavy rains and thunderstorms in the province./DGB, WDJ