PNP prepares for preemptive evacuation for residents near Mayon, other areas along 'Ada' path
photo: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has alerted all its personnel in the Bicol region and some parts of the Visayas for preemptive evacuation and other disaster response measures amid the threat of Tropical Depression “Ada”.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said one of the areas of concern is Albay, particularly in areas near the Mayon Volcano as residents are worrying about possible lahar flow.
Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3 and the recent emissions resulted in volcanic material deposits on the slopes that could flow down in case of heavy rains.
“Our disaster response protocols have already been activated in areas that would be directly affected by this weather disturbance,” said Nartatez.
“I have already ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of our personnel to assist in preemptive evacuation, especially in areas near the Mayon Volcano to protect the residents from possible lahar flow,” he added.
Nartatez said concerned police units have been tasked to coordinate with local disaster offices to prepare for Ada’s potential impact, “Search and rescue assets have been prepared in case they are needed.”
Weather experts reported that Ada will generally move northwestward over the next three days. It is expected to pass close to or make landfall in Eastern Visayas on Friday or early Saturday morning.
Ada may also make landfall over Catanduanes on Saturday or Sunday and will later generally northeastward over the sea east of Luzon.
Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant as he reminded citizens to monitor weather forecasts and follow advisories from authorities for their safety.
Cancelled trips
As of 12 noon on Thursday, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said all trips in 13 ports in the Bicol region were already cancelled as part of the safety measures for passengers due to the weather disturbance.
Among them were Matnog in Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Tabaco and Legazpi City in Albay and all ports in Masbate.
Trips in three ports in Bohol and 14 ports in Eastern Visayas were also cancelled. All trips in the Leyte-Biliran area and Surigao were also canceled.