LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council (PDRRMRC) is preparing for the onslaught of tropical storm Siony following the devastation caused by typhoon Rolly in Southern Luzon.
PDRRMRC Officer Marcell Tabije said a meeting of the council member-agencies was held to strategize the setting-up of all equipment and the prepositioning of food and non-food items to anticipate the destructive effects of tropical storm Siony.
Based on the latest report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) , “Siony” has already entered the Philippine area of responsibility. “Siony” was forecast to hit extreme Northern Luzon this week bringing with it heavy rains.
“We have to make sure that we have mechanisms in place just in case the weather situation will escalate. We need to be prepared for any eventuality,” said Tabije.
During the meeting, Tabije reiterated the salient points of a memorandum issued by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, ordering the immediate implementation of the following measures: activate all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committees and enjoin all residents to actively participate in community flood mitigation activities.
Barangay health workers were also tasked to regularly monitor the health condition of vulnerable groups; ensure the functionality of equipment and maintain a database, such as dump trucks, rubber boats, ambulances.
Local rescue teams were also activated together other emergency resources for immediate deployment.
“The government can not do it alone; we need to make it sure that everyone involves in the preparation against the weather disturbance,” Tabije said.