The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) advised residents in Cagayan Valley (Region 2) on Sunday, Oct. 20, to prepare for the potential impact of a new low pressure area (LPA) which may develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
Under the guidance of Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and OCD Administrator USec. Ariel Nepomuceno, OCD-2 Regional Director Leon Rafael Jr. issued a memorandum order which outlines critical measures that local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) councils must implement to enhance preparedness and response protocols throughout the region.
Local DRRM councils were directed to initiate preparatory activities to ensure readiness for the possible impacts of the LPA, which will be called “Kristine” once it develops into a tropical depression and enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Sunday night or Monday morning.
They were also instructed to closely monitor weather advisories and local conditions, conduct pre-disaster risk assessment (PDRA) meetings, and implement the preparedness measures detailed in “Operation Listo,” an advocacy program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness of local government units (LGUs).
“Additionally, they are encouraged to improve risk communication by tailoring messages for better community understanding. Pre-emptive evacuations should be considered if necessary, and essential resources—including response assets, relief goods, medical supplies, and other logistical support—should be prepositioned as warranted,” the OCD said.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, the LPA was located approximately 1,460 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The state weather bureau said there is a possibility that ‘Kristine’ may make landfall over extreme Northern Luzon and could reach typhoon intensity before landfall.
The OCD said that its regional office in Cagayan Valley has been in close coordination with the province of Batanes, which was recently affected by Super Typhoon “Julian,” to ensure that all necessary support is provided.
“Additionally, the agency is actively disseminating weather advisories and monitoring the status of the Magat Dam, as well as major river systems and tributaries, including water sources from the Sierra Madre and Cordillera Mountains,” the OCD said.
“Backup communication systems are operational, and continuous coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City is being maintained,” it added.