MANILA — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is now on “blue alert” in preparation for the onslaught of tropical depression “Henry”.
The raising of “blue alert” which took place 1 p.m. Monday aims to ensure that continuous monitoring of the prevailing weather system in the country, NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad said in a statement.
Also, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has advised all local government units to implement preparedness activities in accordance with the Operation L!sto protocols.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ensured the availability of sufficient relief items including standby funds and the prepositioning of necessary food and non-food items.
“The public is advised to heed the call of Local DRRM Councils for evacuation if the need arises. Everyone is encouraged to prepare, and not to be complacent about the prevailing weather situation. All are enjoined to monitor updates on these weather systems through radio, TV and social media,” the NDRRMC chief added.
Earlier, Jalad and representatives of NDRRMC member agencies conducted a “Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment” meeting for “Henry” at the NDRRM Operations Center, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Those who attended the meeting were representatives from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), DILG, DSWD, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines Geoscience Bureau, Department of Transportation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Public Works and Highways, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Economic and Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Department of Education.
Likewise, Regional DRRM Councils I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, NCR, and CAR joined the meeting via videoconference. “Henry” has maintained its strength as it moves towards extreme northern Luzon.
“Henry” was located at 180 km east southeast of Aparri, Cagayan with a maximum sustained winds of up to 60 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph moving west at 35 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 is raised over Batanes, northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, northern portion of Apayao, and northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
Occasional rains with gusty winds are expected over these areas. Further, very light or no damage in high risk structures while light to medium damage in low risk structures are possible.
The tropical depression is expected to pass in the vicinity of the Babuyan Group of Islands on Monday night.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon will continue to affect Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Provinces, Palawan and Western Visayas. Scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms may be experienced over the rest of Luzon.
Residents in landslide and flood-prone areas are advised to take the necessary precautions as early as possible. Fishersfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS 1, and the western seaboards of Luzon due to moderate to rough seas.
“Henry” is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
