By Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY — The province of Davao Oriental is preparing for the onslaught of Tropical Depression Samuel, which is expected to hit parts of eastern Mindanao.
The province is set to activate its Incident Command Post (ICP) for efficient monitoring and communication ahead of the storm.
Provincial Information Officer Karen Deloso said members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) met on Saturday for the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment – Emergency Preparedness Response after Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang ordered the preparation and taking of precautionary measures ahead of the storm.
In a text message, Deloso said the possible areas that would be affected have not yet been identified but everything has been prepared.
She said landslide and storm surges were seen as the immediate effects of the storm, which may pass the same path as that of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.
Deloso said the government will be closely monitoring Aragon Dam in Cateel, Davao Oriental, as it could overflow and cause flooding. Aragon is the biggest dam providing irrigation to the rice lands in Davao Oriental.
Deloso added Dayanghirang had convened PDRRMC after the Office of Civil Defense alerted the province to prepare and mobilize resources and to take necessary measures for the safety of the people ahead of the storm.
