BACOLOD: Negros Occidental’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has declared a blue alert status as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was issued for northern Negros due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Kristine. The precautionary measure aims to ensure preparedness and a swift response to potential incidents prompted by the storm.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PDRRMC Emergency Operations Center has advised relevant offices, agencies, and local disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs) to closely monitor their designated areas and provide regular updates. A blue alert requires operation centers to be on standby, ready to respond to emergencies that may arise from the storm’s impact.
As of 11 a.m., TCWS No. 1 affected several areas in the northern portion of Negros Occidental, including Pontevedra, La Castellana, San Enrique, Murcia, Moises Padilla, Valladolid, Pulupandan, EB Magalona, Manapla, Toboso, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, B
acolod City, Bago City, La Carlota City, Silay City, Talisay City, Victorias City, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, and San Carlos City.
In response to the alert, most local government units across the province have suspended face-to-face classes at all educational levels on Wednesday. However, in Kabankalan, Escalante, and Sagay cities, the suspension applies only to classes from pre-school to senior high. Additionally, the municipalities of Toboso and Calatrava have extended class suspensions until Thursday.
The Philippine Coast Guard Station (CGS) Northern Negros Occidental (NNOC) has also taken precautions, canceling sea trips in all ports within its jurisdiction following the issuance of TCWS No. 1. Commander Jansen Benjamin, the chief of CGS NNOC, issued an advisory urging the seagoing public, coastal communities, and fisherfolk to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid navigation during the adverse weather conditions.