By ANGELINE VALENCIA | October 4, 2009

Rescue teams in disaster-prone areas of the province stay alert as another calamity looms.

Governor Erico Aumentado’s Chief of Staff Antonieto Pernia yesterday said the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) teams in disaster-prone areas of the province remain on alert to brace for another looming storm.

Pernia said that during the meeting last Friday, members of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) agreed to put special emphasis on disaster-prone areas like Jagna, Duero, Clarin, Ubay and Loboc.

Moreover, the Philippine National Red Cross-Bohol Chapter and the Provincial Health Office have been tapped to make their ambulances available for immediate response to emergency.

The heightened alert stays until Monday, Pernia said.

The PDCC, under the leadership of its executive director, retired Col. Raul Mendez, had also alerted the coast guard team stationed at the stretch of Loboc River and suggested that river cruising be suspended anytime that signs of a possible flashflood show.

PDCC also called on groups and individuals, including the Bantay Dagat, who can lend speedboats in case of emergency.

Pernia also said the Department of Education was also instructed to make all classrooms available as evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, some agencies, schools and offices had set up drop off points for relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

In Tagbilaran City, relief goods are received at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (OPSWD) in coordination with PDCC beside GSP office at Tamblot St., St. Joseph Cathedral Parish office, Bohol Alliance of Non-Government Organizations (BANGON) in front of Sta. Cruz Chapel at Matig-a corner Hontanosas Sts., Holy Name University through its Community Extension and Development (CEDev) at Lesage and Gallares Sts., dropping station of Peacock Garden at Dunkin Donuts-CPG Avenue outlet, and at the entrance area of Alturas Group of Companies at B. Inting St.

Peacock Garden has assigned a van to take the relief goods from 5 pm onwards.

Donations can be in the form of cash, foodstuffs or items.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office distributed copies of the list of the drop off areas for guidance.