The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) urged the public on Monday, Oct. 21, to take early precautions amid the possible destructive impact of tropical depression “Kristine” which may affect more than one million individuals.
The OCD said that the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Bicol Region (RDRRMC-5) has raised its alert status to “Red” as of 10 a.m., which also placed the entire region under the “Charlie” or high-risk protocol.
The Bicol Region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days due to Kristine. Affected communities are urged to remain vigilant, take necessary preparedness measures, and heed warnings issued by authorities.
“Let us make the necessary planning and be updated with relevant information so that we are guided accordingly. We are in close coordination with all the concerned agencies for a comprehensive and cohesive plan of action,” Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.
He noted that predictive analysis from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) indicates that over a million individuals may be potentially affected by the tropical cyclone.
In response, OCD Bicol (OCD-5) Director Claudio Yucot issued a memorandum directing all regional government agencies, provincial and local DRRM councils to implement the measures outlined in the Charlie protocol.
The Charlie protocol signifies the highest state of emergency preparedness, necessitating immediate action from both the RDRRMC and Local DRRMCs to protect communities and ensure an effective and timely response.
The response clusters of the RDRRMC have been activated including the Health Cluster, Food and Non-Food Items, Camp Coordination and Management, Emergency Telecommunications, Law and Order, Logistics, Search, Rescue, and Retrieval, Debris Clearing, Strategic Communication, Early Recovery, and Management of the Dead and the Missing – all of which are being coordinated by various regional government agencies.
Aside from Bicol, the OCD directed other regional offices to undertake preparedness measures for Kristine as the rainbands of the tropical cyclone may bring moderate to heavy rains Samar provinces and other nearby regions starting Tuesday.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has reported that 5,688 barangays are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions projected to be impacted by Kristine, which is anticipated to make landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan by Thursday and may traverse northern Luzon. The system is forecasted to reach typhoon intensity before landfall.
“We hope that the vulnerable communities heed our call to make the necessary preparations for Kristine, our 11th tropical cyclone for this year. Please help us in our continued efforts to ensure your safety and survival at all times,” OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.