Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has urged the public to take early precautions as a new weather disturbance is predicted to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or tomorrow morning.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a low-pressure area (LPA) off Virac, Catanduanes, is expected to develop into a Tropical Depression within the next 24 hours. Once it enters the country, it will be designated as “Kristine.”
“Let us engage in proactive planning and stay informed with relevant updates to ensure we are adequately prepared. We are collaborating closely with all concerned agencies to establish a comprehensive and cohesive action plan,” stated Teodoro. He noted that predictive analyses from the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicate that over a million individuals could be affected by the impending tropical cyclone.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has reported that 5,688 barangays are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions projected to be impacted by Kristine, which is anticipated to make landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan by Thursday and may traverse northern Luzon. The system is forecasted to reach typhoon intensity before landfall.
In response, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has instructed its regional offices to initiate preparedness measures for Kristine, as the rainbands associated with the potential tropical cyclone may bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the Bicol region, Samar provinces, and other areas starting Tuesday.
Precautionary measures include heightened monitoring of warnings and advisories from PAGASA and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, conducting pre-disaster risk assessments and weather update sessions as needed, intensifying the dissemination of critical weather information to vulnerable communities, coordinating with local authorities for timely distribution of warnings and updates, preparing evacuation plans, and submitting situational reports to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council operations center.
Additionally, OCD regional offices have been directed to remind the public that the Department of Science and Technology and PAGASA should be their primary sources for official weather updates to combat misinformation.
“We urge vulnerable communities to heed our call and make the necessary preparations for Kristine, our 11th tropical cyclone this year. Your cooperation is essential to our ongoing efforts to ensure your safety and well-being,” said OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.
Currently, all monitored dams are under non-flood watch status; however, Ambuklao, Binga, Magat, and San Roque are being closely monitored, according to the state weather bureau. (PR)
