The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents in areas prone to landslides and flashflood amid the threat of typhoon "Marce".
In a memorandum, the DILG called on the concerned local government units (LGUs) to strictly execute forced evacuation in adherence to the department’s “Operation L!STO protocols’’ in areas exposed to extreme danger in preparation “flooding, landslides and other hazardous incidents, specifically in Northern Luzon.
“LGUs are reminded of the mandate of Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 and Section 16 of RA No. 7160, which authorizes local chief executives (LCEs) to implement forced evacuation when necessary. They are urged and reminded to prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities,’’ the DILG said.
The DILG also appealed to affected residents to promptly relocate to designated evacuation centers or safe areas.
The also DILG asked the LGUs to identify and prepare the evacuation centers that are structurally sound and equipped with basic facilities such as sanitation, medical aid and designated areas for high-risk groups.
It emphasized that the facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure their safety and for capacity adjustments to be made as needed.
Likewise, the DILG directed its attached agencies, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), to fully support the LCEs in the implementation of forced evacuation efforts.
To ensure their safety, the DILG also appealed to the affected residents to cooperate and promptly relocate to the designated evacuation centers or safe areas.
Further, the DILG stressed that the LGUs must coordinate with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the distribution of relief goods and other supplies as house-to-house relief distributions may not be sustainable in the coming days.
With the expected Marce-induced heavy downpour, the DILG warned that the weather condition may also elevate water levels in major dams, potentially requiring water discharge operations that could affect downstream communities.
“According to the latest report issued by PAGASA, Typhoon Marce is expected to continue intensifying and may reach its peak intensity on Wednesday before its passage over the Babuyan Channel,’’ the DILG noted.