by Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY – Davao region is preparing for Tropical Depression Amang which is expected to bring moderate to extreme rains that could cause possible flash floods and landslides.
A general flood advisory is up in Davao City and the provinces as heavy rains could affect rivers and tributaries of Lasang, Talomo and Lipadas in Davao City; Tagulaya, Sibulan, Digos and Padada in Davao del Sur; Cateel, Baganga, Mahan-ub, Manorigao, Caraga, Casauman, Quinonoan, Bgawan, Mayo, Bitanayan, Sumlog, Tangmoan, Dacongbonwa, Kabasagan, Manay, Maya and Sumlao in Davao Oriental.
Heavy rainfall could also affect rivers and tributaries of Tagum-Libuganon, Tuganay and Saug in Davao Del Norte; Panglan, Malita, Batanan, Lais, Lawan, Latuan, Calian, Lamita, Lawayon, Culama, Caburan Bi, Maubio, Karabana, Tubayo, Kayapung, Malala, Capisolo, Tanoman Big, Tanoman Small, Kalbay, Butua, Nuin, Butula, Baki, Malagupo, Balagona, and Batulaki in Davao Occidental.
“Amang” is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Norte mainland Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
It was last spotted 360 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph, heading towards Surigao del Norte while moving west northwest at 25 kph.
The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has alerted people living near the mountain slopes and low-lying areas to take precautions against possible flash floods and landslides.
Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on Saturday already raised a “blue alert status” which requires the 24/7 monitoring of the weather disturbance by all members of the Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response Clusters at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
The municipalities have also been advised to activate their respective Incident Command System to efficiently implement necessary preparations, according to Provincial Information Officer Karen Deloso.
Deloso said part of their preparations is the prepositioning of food packs in all Operation Centers and coordination with stakeholders especially private contractors whose assistance will be tapped to augment the Department of Public Works and Highways in clearing of roads.
Deloso said military troops were also deployed to secure warehouses of the National Food Authority to ensure that stored goods are secured and available in case of emergency.
