MANILA — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced that it is now on “red alert” status as response operations for Mayon Volcano and the onslaught of tropical storm “Basyang” is still ongoing.
In the same vein, NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad said the National Council has advised its concerned Regional DRRM Councils to take the necessary precautions as well as dessiminate all advisories at the local level.
“Basyang” is threatening a huge portion of eastern Mindanao.
He added that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ensured the the dessimination of warnings and advisories to concerned local goverment units and has directed them to take preparedness actions in accordance with the ‘Operation L!sto’ protocols.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prioritized the prepositioning of goods and equipment including standby funds for possible response.
“The public is advised to stay alert especially in the areas to be affected by the prevailing weather systems in the country. Residents in landslide and flood prone areas are advised to prepare and be vigilant at all times,” Jalad said.
As this develops, members of the NDRRMC Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Core Group on Monday met to discuss the preparations for the effects of “Basyang”.
In attendance were representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, DOST-PAGASA, DILG, DSWD, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highway, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines Geoscience Bureau, National Economic Development Agency, Department of Health, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Office of Civil Defense.
Likewise, Regional DRRM Councils Mimaropa, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, ARMM and Caraga joined the meeting via Skype. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
