CAGAYAN de Oro City is in the midst of major preparations as Tropical Depression Kabayan looms large, per statements from Sheila Lumbatan, the Chief of Staff of the City Mayor's office, on Sunday afternoon. 

City Mayor, Rolando 'Klarex' Uy, has issued stringent directives for the Incident Management Team (IMT) to spring into action after the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Dept. (CDRRMD) provided a risk assessment that marked the city as a high-risk zone for the fast-approaching storm.

The city's apprehension spiked after the CDRRMD predetermined a heavy impact by the tropical depression on Cagayan de Oro.

Lumbatan reported that Mayor Uy announced these forecasts during his advisory regarding Tropical Depression Kabayan at 6:30 pm, on December 17, 2023. 

In light of such developments, Mayor Uy has declared a Red Alert across the city," explained Lumbatan.

Concurrent with the Mayor’s announcement, all Oro Rescue and CDRRMD teams are now on standby to intervene as required, Lumbatan added. 

The DRRMC units within the city's barangays (districts) have also been activated in anticipation of the impending storm.

Per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Depression Kabayan is anticipated to batter Cagayan de Oro between dawn and morning hours on Monday, December 18, 2023. 

The intensifying threat of the tropical depression has raised alarm among local citizens.

Cagayan de Oro isn't alone in this turbulent time. The neighboring Misamis Oriental has also been flagged with signal number one, signifying the storm's imminent arrival, and is preparing for potential impacts. 

Both the city and the province stand prepared for this significant weather event.

Beyond the alert emergency services, The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is also formulating strategies to provide relief to those who may be affected by the storm. Staff and relief materials are ready for distribution to all district offices.

Lumbatan emphasized that these proactive measures aim at ensuring immediate assistance to those affected by the storm. 

As Tropical Depression Kabayan edges closer, the city is leaving no stone unturned to manage and mitigate any potential damage.

Meanwhile, the Northern Mindanao Regional Disaster Management Council (NORMIN RDRRMC) had a meeting with the Office of Civil Defense Region 10 (OCD 10). 

They talked about what could happen because of the coming storm named "KABAYAN". Antonio B. Sugarol, the head of OCD 10, led the meeting. 

Other agencies and local disaster management offices from Region 10 also joined them.

They decided that after the meeting, they needed to put the CHARLIE Emergency Plan into action. 

This would start at 8:00 PM on December 17, 2022. 

Also, they said that they would now be on "RED" alert at the council's emergency center. 

On "RED" alert, they get their teams ready, and move people and supplies where they could best be used. 

They also make sure to tell everyone the latest news about the storm, what they're doing to get ready, and what the situation is.