BALER, Aurora — The provincial government of Aurora, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), is gearing up for the possible impact of Typhoon Mangkhut that is expected to hit the country on Wednesday.
PDRRMO head Amado Elson A. Egargue said Tuesday they convened to implement preparedness measures on the effects of the typhoon, which will be named “Ompong” once inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), it may pass through the Cagayan-Batanes area and affect residents of northern and central Luzon.
“Disaster prevention starts before a typhoon makes landfall. Early warning and early action should be at the very heart of our efforts. Everyone should understand the risks we might face and equip ourselves with preventive measures to lessen the impact of disasters,” Egargue said.
He also urged the residents to prepare for the coming typhoon and look for safe areas as heavy rains could trigger a storm surge, flooding and landslide.
“It is also expected to bring strong winds,” Egargue said. “We are now on assessment to identify concerned agencies or offices that will be tasked to man our operations center. All communications were already sent to our respective municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices in preparation for the wrath of the typhoon.”
He added that the PDRRMO has designated responders and personnel who will be on alert 24/7.
Egargue reiterated the call of acting Governor Rommel Rico T. Angara to be prepared at all times to achieve zero casualty.
“I am advising the general public to always listen to the news. The provincial government of Aurora is bracing for the onslaught of Typhoon Mangkhut. We must ready our first aid kit, flashlight, and let us bow our heads and pray for every one’s protection,” he added. (Jason De Asis/PNA)
