By Alec Go
Food packs have been prepositioned while response teams have been alerted in preparation of the possible impact of super typhoon “Mawar” eyed more than 2,000 kilometers east of Visayas, government offices said Tuesday, May 23.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said 689,885 family food packs have been prepositioned nationwide.
With the forecast track of the super typhoon, the DSWD said 98,000 family food packs have been delivered to Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and to Visayas.
“It seems at this point, kasi it’s very early, it’s going to affect Regions II, Regions I all the way to Batanes. But again, sabi nga nila (PAGASA), the path can change, but malaki siya. What we have done is we have augmented the stockpiling of food packs up north,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its deployable response groups and quick response teams in Ilocos and CAR have been tapped to prepare for “Mawar.”
Search and rescue assets have also been prepositioned that will be used in flooded areas.
The PCG said it is preparing for food packs distribution, and is also tightening its inspection of water vessels.
The PCG also urged the public to heed evacuation calls before heavy downpours and floodings take place.
READ MORE: Mawar now super typhoon, may enter PH Friday or Saturday
“Mawar” remains outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as of Tuesday evening. It is set to enter PAR by Friday or Saturday and will be given its local name “Betty.” – gb
