Local disaster offices alerted on approaching tropical depression

Manila, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) alerted all its regional and sub-regional, provincial and municipal disaster offices yesterday to reinforce the agency’s pre-disaster efforts in the wake of a tropical depression expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility either tonight or tomorrow morning.

NDRRMC and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) head Benito Ramos issued weather advisory one and directed all concerned local agencies and units to immediately implement pro-active measures.

“This weather system is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility but you are directed to monitor the situation and undertake precautionary measures in your area of responsibility. Let us untiringly aim for zero casualty,” said Ramos in his directive.

The issuance of the weather advisory came in the wake of the massive devastation left by typhoon “Bebeng” in Eastern Visayas and the Bicol region.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the new tropical depression, which would be named “Chedeng” once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility, was still in the vicinity of the Caroline Islands.

In the weather forecast issued late yesterday afternoon, PAGASA said that the tropical depression is located 1,220 kilometers east of Mindanao. An intertropical convergence zone is also affecting southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, PAGASA said.

“The tropical depression is moving at five knots in westward direction. Its sustained winds is at 55 kilometers per hour,” said weather forecaster Jun Galang.

Ramos also ordered all concerned agencies to conduct anti-disaster information drive through community leaders as well as the local media.

24-hour monitoring

In Bicol, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, head of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, has already placed the province on alert status.

Salceda directed all city and municipal disaster risk reduction councils to be on a 24-hour weather monitoring for advisories and other official issuances from PAGASA.

“Take appropriate preparedness actions particularly mobilizing the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) so that all inhabitants are warned early of the impending tropical depression, especially those areas prone to flood, flashfloods and landslides,” Salceda said.

The order also included the preparation of necessary emergency equipment and personnel and positioning them in strategic areas for easy access.

PCG teams dispatched

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag yesterday said he has already dispatched teams to districts that are expected to be hit by the incoming tropical depression.

Liwag said that he has already instructed the PCG field offices in the eastern side of the country such as the Northern Luzon district, Central Luzon-National Capital Region district, and Bicol district and the station in Batangas to be on alert and monitor the developments on the approaching weather disturbance.

“They should also be prepared in the event that the cyclone changes direction,” he said.

Liwag also advised fishermen in affected areas to postpone their fishing trips and be updated on the developments of the cyclone. – With Evelyn Macairan