The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southeastern Mindanao on Tuesday, June 1, placed its disaster response and rescue teams on a heightened alert due to tropical storm (TS) “Dante” (international name “Choi-wan”).
Commodore Allan Corpuz, PCG District Southeastern Mindanao district commander, directed all personnel of the Coast Guard stations and substations near the affected areas to prepare their disaster response teams in anticipation of Dante's wrath.
“All PCG Stations and Sub Stations near the landfall area to be on heightened alert, ensure completeness, and preparedness of deployable response groups (DRGs) and quick response teams (QRTs), as well as issue the appropriate advisory to local fishermen, ship crew, and other maritime stakeholders to remind them of the ‘No Sail Policy’ during inclement weather,” Corpuz said.
The PCG Southeastern Mindanao ensured it will provide maritime safety and humanitarian assistance to those who will be affected by the onslaught of the tropical storm.
It also encouraged the residents in Southeastern Mindanao to keep updates on weather and travel advisory that will be posted on its social media pages.
Meanwhile, sea trips of all types of vessels plying the routes to and from Surigao del Norte, Camotes Islands, Dinagat Islands, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar were ordered suspended starting Tuesday.
“Vessels who intend to take shelter shall be permitted as long as it is manifested through a written request and no passenger or cargo will be allowed on board,” the Coast Guard said.
Tropical storm “Dante” will likely make landfall over Eastern Samar or Leyte on Tuesday afternoon or evening, June 1, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).