The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) of the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes are now preparing for the possible impact of typhoon Kiko.
Based on the latest tropical cyclone bulletin, typhoon Kiko (Chanthu) is forecast “to pass very close to northeastern Cagayan and cross the vicinity of Babuyan Islands” between Sept. 10 afternoon and Sept. 11 morning, and to south and west of Batanes.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has not yet ruled out the possibility of landfall in mainland Cagayan as of Sept. 9 noon.
As of 11:00 a.m., Signal No. 1 was raised in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela), and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan).
The Batanes provincial government has started providing nylon ropes to offices and households, and assured the preparedness of rescue teams and equipment for response operations.
“Tingin ko may sapat pa kamin pagkain dito sa Batanes, at mayroon kaming NFA (rice) na halos 3,000 bags. Nag-prepare din kami ng nylon rope para sa buong probinsya. Nakagisnan na namin ito na nakakatulong para ma-secure ang mga bahay-bahay namin,” Gov. Marilou Cayco said.
Local governments in Cagayan province have also prepared their plans, with Calayan Island preparing since Wednesday (Sept. 8 ). Authorities said relief packs and standby funds are already in place.
The regional DRRMC has implemented a “no sail policy” in all waters in Cagayan waters. – Report from Oliver Baccay (PIA Cagayan)/AG-rir
