MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Tuesday directed all its satellite offices and regional offices nationwide to monitor two weather systems that might bring heavy rains this week.
In an advisory, NDRRMC chairperson Eduardo del Rosario also ordered all the heads of the provincial, regional, city disaster management councils to take precautionary measures in their respective areas.
"You are reminded to disseminate these through local/community leaders and through your local media, including community radio stations.
"This local effort will complement and reinforce efforts at the national level. Emphasis should be on proactive actions--evacuation rather than rescue," Del Rosario said in the advisory.
Del Rosario made the directive following the possible entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility of tropical storm east of Mindanao on Thursday.
The tropical storm, with international codename Haiyan, was seen over the Caroline Islands, with sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gustiness up to 120kph.
He also cited the low pressure area, spotted northeast of Palawan, which has continuously brought heavy rainshowers in the area, preventing small fishing vessels and boats to venture out to the seaboard of the island.