The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Isabela province (PDRRMC-Isabela) convened on Friday, May 26, to determine the preparedness of various agencies amid the impending threat of a super typhoon with international name "Mawar."
The provincial authorities readily called the attention of concerned agencies, notably the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) Dam and Reservoir Division, since flood has always been a big problem every time a typhoon visits the country.
The NIA-MARIIS and Reservoir Division reported that as of 6 a.m. on May 26, the Magat Dam's elevation was recorded at 175.48 meters above sea level, with no necessity to open spillway gates.
The NIA-MARIIS was one of the agencies that were summoned by the PDRRMC-Isabela during a meeting at the Blue Conference Room in the provincial capitol in the City of Ilagan.
Other agencies presented updates and their preparations for the possible onslaught of the typhoon which will be called "Betty" once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
PDRRMC head Constante Foronda said that five Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) teams of DART 831 are ready for deployment in the flood-prone northern towns.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reported the availability of 5,179 food boxes and 5,000 from the provincial government of Isabela.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO), and Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) have also assured their readiness to dispatch heavy equipment should the need arise in clearing road obstructions.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will monitor stores for availability and prices of prime commodities.