Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando on Sunday, Sept. 25, gave his directives to the different city and municipality disaster risk response teams, department heads, and other concerned agencies in the province for their preparations before the landfall of Super Typhoon ‘Karding.’

Fernando, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said the eastern and central portions of Bulacan are under tropical cyclone signal no. 5, including the towns of Doña Remedios Trinidad and Norzagaray, while the rest of the province is under signal no. 4.

The governor ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in both public and private schools, and work in non-health and non-DRRM government agencies on Monday, Sept. 26, for the safety of the Bulakenyos.

He also called on the city and municipal disaster offices to evacuate residents in low-lying areas. He also assured that rescue teams are well available during emergencies.

Fernando also directed the engineering office to be ready as well as the drivers of the rescue trucks which will be used for possible evacuation of residents.

He also instructed Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Rowena J. Tiongson to activate the Evacuation Center Management Team, and prepare the evacuation centers at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Bulacan Sports Complex, and other communities, as well as the basic necessities and food for the residents.

The PDRRMC Chairman also called on Provincial Agriculture Head Gloria Carrillo to notify the farmers and fisherfolks so that they can do all the necessary preparations before the landfall of super typhoon Karding, especially since there are 40,000 hectares of planted rice land and 1,000 hectares of vegetable areas at present and 15,000 hectares of fishery area.

“Sabihan na ‘yung mga mangingisda na palakasin ang mga bakod nila doon (Tell the fishermen to strengthen their fences)," Fernando instructed.

The Bulakenyos are also being reminded of the possible hazards that may bring danger, including “dam release” or releasing of water from the dam to prevent overflowing which will affect the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliwag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong; Back flooding in the towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, and Pulilan; flash floods in the towns of Santa Maria, Bocaue, Marilao, Obando, Bulakan, Balagtas, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, and Cities of San Jose Del Monte and Meycauayan; and storm surge in towns of Bulakan, Hagonoy, Obando, Paombong and City of Malolos.

According to PDRRMO Head Felicisima Mungcal, the super typhoon is located 175 kilometers East of Infanta, Quezon, with 195 kilometers per hour maximum sustained winds, and gustiness of up to 240 kilometers per hour which puts the province at high risk under the emergency preparedness and requires immediate actions.