20 August 2017- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) convenes for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Meeting in preparation for Tropical Depression Isang at the NDRRM Operations Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Usec Ricardo B Jalad chaired the meeting attended by DOST DRR and Climate Change Usec Renato U Solidum Jr, DSWD Usec Hope V Hervilla and representatives from Member Agencies namely: DOST-PAGASA, DILG, DOH, AFP, PNP, OCD and PCG.
According to PAGASA, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) located East of Batanes has developed into a Tropical Depression and was named “Isang”. TD Isang was located 735km East of Basco, Batanes with a maximum sustained winds of up to 55kph, gustiness of up to 65kph and is moving West Northwest at 19kph.
Moderate to occasionally heavy rains is expected within the 300km diameter of the tropical depression which may trigger flashfloods and landslides over extreme Northern Luzon. It is projected to be closest to Batanes Group of Islands tomorrow evening or Tuesday, early morning and is likely to intensify into a Tropical Storm within the next 24 to 36 hours. Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) number 1 is raised over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands. TD Isang is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday, 23 August.
Meanwhile this weather disturbance may enhance the Southwest Monsoon especially over the Western Section of Luzon and Visayas in the coming days. Residents in landslide and flood prone areas are advised to monitor, prepare and await advise from Local Government for possible evacuation.
DILG has directed Local Government Units (LGUs) concerned to take the necessary precautionary measures as outlined in the Operation L!sto. DSWD has ensured the prepositioning of food and non-food items in the Local Councils for necessary distribution when the need arises.
The National Council as well as its Regional DRRM Councils shall continuously monitor the movement and effects of the Tropical Depression. All Local Chief Executives are directed to be on standby for the expected heavy rainfall in Northern Luzon and Western Sections of Luzon and Visayas. Everyone is encouraged to remain alert and monitor weather updates through TV, radio and social media. (NDRRMC-PR)
