City crisis management 'incapacitated', helpless
City Crisis Management head Joe Papa admitted they were “incapacitated” and caught flat-footed when typhoon Frank angrily lashed Iloilo City last Saturday. The city has no resources to conduct rescue operations in flood stricken areas specifically in Jaro district.
Papa said they have enough personnel to conduct rescue operations on families trapped in their houses but they lack equipment. The city has only one rubber boat which was also not in good condition during the typhoon. No prior advisory was raised Friday when the typhoon signal number 3 was raised in northern Iloilo.
He apologized for the shortcomings of the city crisis management as it became helpless at the height of the disaster. Papa himself admitted he was helpless as his family was also trapped by floodwaters in their house in Barangay Camalig, Jaro. He wanted to rescue his family but could not do anything.
Papa said they tried to borrow equipment from private groups. At the height of the typhoon, rescue operations failed because of the strong current of water.
The affected families have to stay on the roof of their houses to save themselves from the floodwaters coming from the mountains. Some of the subdivisions hardly hit by flood waters that reached up to the second floor of houses are those in Petalsville, Alta Tierra and Bankers Village in Jaro.
They have to bear hunger and cold for almost a day as they waited for help from government or rescue groups.
The rescue operations for affected individuals was hampered because of the lack of equipment. Meanwhile, it was observed that rescue groups which were very ubiquitous in previous calamities became unheard of. There is a conflict between the rescue groups in the city. The conflict emanated in last year's selection of the best rescue group.
With the lack of rescue facilities, several individuals owning jet skis heeded the call of the Crisis Management and the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) to help in the rescue operations.
Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, Police Regional Office chief, said they rented two big pump boats to help in the rescue operation Saturday. However, the pump boats conked out before reaching the affected areas.
Yesterday, a military helicopter tried to initiate rescue operations but returned to the ground due to bad weather. There are still families who waited for assistance Sunday morning.
Cuevas also asked for the help of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). PPA and Maritime were tasked to coordinate with shipping companies for the provision of rubber boats.
The regional director said he has been waiting for the response of the public works department for a back hoe and payloader which could be used in the rescue operations. He also called for different contractors to make their equipment available for rescue operations.