MANILA: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) declared a red alert on Monday afternoon in anticipation of Tropical Storm Kristine, which is projected to impact a substantial portion of the Philippines in the coming days. The alert ensures that all agency personnel are on duty to effectively respond to potential calamities.
According to Philippines News Agency, NDRRMC spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas noted during an online briefing that the council is closely monitoring the needs of its 17 regional offices. Efforts are being coordinated with the Philippine Information Agency to ensure regions potentially affected by Kristine are adequately prepared. Posadas underscored the urgency of readiness, stating, “We cannot procrastinate for a typhoon as strong as Kristine.”
In response to the looming threat, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has activated its disaster response teams and placed air and ground assets on standby. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo confirmed that s
earch and rescue units, including specialized water teams, are on high alert. A fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft is ready for deployment, underscoring the Air Force’s preparedness to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The Philippine Army (PA) has also mobilized its resources. The 5th Infantry Division, responsible for regions including Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera, has readied 186 disaster response teams. These teams are equipped with rubber boats and land assets such as military trucks and ambulances. Additionally, the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion has prepared urban search and rescue teams to address potential flooding in Metro Manila.
Other divisions, including the 7th and 2nd Infantry Divisions, have placed their emergency response units on standby. These preparations reflect the military’s comprehensive strategy to aid communities across the country as Tropical Storm Kristine approaches.