The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed on Wednesday. Oct. 1, local chief executives (LCE) to prepare as a low-pressure area (LPA) will likely intensify to tropical depression “Paolo’’ once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Based on the latest weather advisory, the LPA, which could gain strength and become the 16th typhoon in the country, may affect areas still reeling from tropical cyclones Mirasol, nando and Opong raising the risk of flooding, landslides and river overflow in rain-saturated communities.

In the same advisory, easterlies are forecasted to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan and Northern Samar.

The rest of the country is expected to have isolated rains with flash floods and landslides possible due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

With the weather advisory, the DILG urged the local government units (LGUs) to maintain close coordination with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and carry out preparedness measures. 

“Among such measures are: launching preemptive clean-up operations, declogging drainage systems, pruning trees, and prepositioning garbage trucks and response personnel. Barangay officials are also urged to mobilize communities in cleaning public areas to help reduce flooding risks,’’ the DILG noted.

The DILG also asserted that the LGUs must intensify public information campaigns through local media and community channels to advise residents, especially those in high-risk areas, to prepare emergency kits, secure homes, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.

“This directive supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for a resilient, responsive Bagong Pilipinas guided by proactive and effective local governance,’’ the DILG continued.