Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla ordered all local government units (LGus) to prepare for the landfall of tropical depression "Kristine".
The order was specified in the memorandum he issued for the convening of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and the conduct of pre-disaster risk assessments in areas that will bhe affected by the weather disturbance.
He also issued the order to remind the LGUs to remain vigilant and prepared when TD “Kristine’’ touches down in their respective jurisdictions.
“Sapol ang buong silangan ng Luzon mula Aparri hanggang Legazpi at mga karatig na lalawigan. Ngayon pa lang ay may abiso na kami (DILG) sa bawat LGU na maghanda at bantayan ang pagdating ni Kristine (The whole of eastern Luzon from aparri to legazpi and the adjacent provinces are affected. Right now we have alerted each LGU to prepare and be on-guard for Kristine),’’ Remulla stated.
“TD Kristine entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday (October 21) morning,’’ the DILG said.
State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that “Kristine” is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours.
It may reach severe tropical storm category by Wednesday and typhoon category by Thursday evening or Friday (October 25) morning, prior to its landfall over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.
Likewise, Remulla stressed that the LDRRMC must hold regular meetings to ensure that appropriate preparedness measures are in place and timely response actions are implemented.
“LGUs are also ordered to activate barangay DRRMCs for early warning measures and vigilant monitoring of areas; and inform the communities of weather updates and preparation actions of their localities through appropriate platforms,’’ the DILG added.
In the same memorandum, the DILG directed the LGUs to conduct preemptive or mandatory evacuation in areas with high to very high susceptibility to storm surges, floods, and landslides.
The DILG urged the LGUs to undertake all necessary actions based on Operation L!STO protocols and DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-074, which identifies the preparedness measures of LGUs for this year’s impending La Niña and rainy season; prioritize the health and safety of all response personnel and evacuees, and the prepositioning of supplies and equipment.