Malacañang has assured Filipinos of the government's readiness as far as the threat of tropical depression "Odette" is concerned.
"The government is closely monitoring tropical depression Odette which, according to weather forecasters, will likely enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a severe tropical storm on the evening of Dec.14," Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a statement on Monday, Dec. 13.
According to Nograles, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is already making the necessary preparations in coordination with the regional and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to ensure the safety of the public.
"The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reports that as of Sunday, Dec. 12, it has available stockpiles and standby funds earmarked for disaster response," Nograles said.
"We ask everyone, especially those residing in affected areas, to keep up to date with the latest weather advisories and bulletins, to take precautionary measures, and to cooperate with local authorities should there be a need for evacuation or other necessary actions," appealed the Palace official.
An average of 20 typhoons occur within the Philippines every year, mostly during the latter part of the year.