CAGAYAN VALLEY: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Cagayan Valley has initiated precautionary measures in response to a low-pressure area (LPA) east of southeastern Luzon, which is predicted to evolve into a typhoon, bringing significant rainfall to parts of the Philippines in the coming days.
According to Philippines News Agency, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno have directed Cagayan Valley Regional Director Leon Rafael Jr. to issue a memorandum. This memorandum instructs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to enhance preparedness and response protocols across the region.
The directive is a proactive measure anticipating the effects of the LPA, which may become the 11th tropical cyclone of the year, to be locally named Kristine. The OCD has mandated RDRRMCs and LDRRMCs to initiate preparatory activities to ensure readiness for the poten
tial impacts of Tropical Depression Kristine.
The councils have been tasked to closely monitor weather advisories and local conditions, conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Meetings, and implement preparedness measures outlined in Operation Listo (Alert). Additionally, they are encouraged to improve risk communication by customizing messages for clearer community understanding.
Pre-emptive evacuations are advised if necessary, and essential resources, including response assets, relief goods, medical supplies, and other logistical support, should be strategically prepositioned. As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, the LPA was located approximately 1,460 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. It is expected to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours and to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday evening or early Monday morning. There is a possibility of landfall over extreme northern Luzon, and
it could reach typhoon intensity before doing so.
The OCD is actively disseminating weather advisories and monitoring the status of the Magat Dam, as well as major river systems and tributaries, including those from the Sierra Madre and Cordillera Mountains.
In a related development, the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has also begun preparations in anticipation of the incoming weather disturbance. During a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting, response agencies outlined their strategies to prevent casualties, as stated by Claudio Yucot, the RDRRMC chair and OCD regional director. The focus is on monitoring rainfall to prevent landslides and lahar flows near Mayon Volcano.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned family food packs and non-food items valued at PHP241 million for families across the six provinces. A total of 2,130 evacuation centers are prepared to accommodate those who may be displaced by the weather disturbance. As of the lat
est reports, Legazpi City, Albay, is experiencing cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and moderate winds.