By Alec Go
Malacaῆang on Monday (Dec. 13) said the government is “closely monitoring” Tropical Depression Odette which is forecast to enter the Philippines on Tuesday (Dec. 14) evening.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said preparations are ongoing with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its regional and local councils in ensuring public safety.
“The Department of Social Welfare and Development reports that as of Sunday, December 12, it has available stockpiles and standby funds earmarked for disaster response,” the statement read.
“We ask everyone, especially those residing in affected areas, to keep up to date with the latest weather advisories and bulletins, to take precautionary measures, and to cooperate with local authorities should there be a need for evacuation or other necessary actions,” it added.
As of 10:00 a.m., the tropical depression’s center is estimated at 1,760 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of 70 km/h.
It is forecast to enter the country as a severe tropical storm as it “maintains its strength” with a westward movement until Wednesday (Dec. 15) when it is expected to reach typhoon category.
“Afterwards, the tropical cyclone will turn westward and may make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas by Thursday (16 December) afternoon or evening,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11:00 a.m. advisory.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) may be raised over Visayas, large portions of Mindanao, and in several Southern Luzon provinces.
“The highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted is TCWS #3. Localities situated in the eastern portions of Visayas and Mindanao may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as Tuesday afternoon or evening,” PAGASA said. -rir
