By Martin Sadongdong
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised local government units (LGUs) that will be directly affected by typhoon "Tisoy" (international name: Kammuri) to implement preventive evacuation ahead of its expected landfall in Bicol region on Monday night or Tuesday morning.
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MANILA BULLETIN)
NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said they have already put in place a contingency plan for the augmentation of resources and manpower in regions that may need assistance once Tisoy's effects are felt.
However, he emphasized that the preparation of areas that will be affected by Tisoy will help minimize the negative effects of the typhoon. One such preventive measure will be the early evacuation of residents in high risk areas.
"That is what we suggested to them when we conducted a meeting . Preventive evacuation is one of the preparedness measures of the local chief executives," he said on Sunday.
"As early as one day ahead of the landfall, they should do it. Hours before the landfall, we are expecting to feel strong winds and moderate rains especially in areas that will be hit first," he added.
Shortly before Sunday noon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geoplysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated Tisoy's location at 705 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. It slightly weakened with a maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gustiness of 170 kph.
Jalad said Pagasa was not discounting the possibility that “Tisoy” might develop into a super typhoon.
"They are not discounting that possibility although the chances are very slim," he said.
However, PAGASA officials said typhoon Tisoy's strength is expected to gradually decrease as it approaches landmass.
Jalad also said that they have prepared for any eventuality in case “Tisoy” affects the conduct of the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the country.
"We have plans for emergency preparedness and response, we have a joint task group for that in areas covered by the SEA Games including Calabarzon (Region 4A), NCR, Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 1 (Ilocos Region)," he said.