The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Bicol has placed all disaster response offices on red alert effective immediately to prepare for the possible onslaught of Tropical Storm (TS) Odette.
In a memorandum issued on Tuesday, Claudio Yucot, Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol regional director and Bicol DRRMC chairperson, said the raising of alert status from blue to red is necessary due to the uncertainty of the movement, track, and intensification of the weather disturbance, and to heighten appropriate precautionary actions for possible flooding, flash floods, or landslides.
“Closely monitor the developments of ‘Odette’ and evaluate the need for evacuation for high-risk areas and barangays. Evacuation for high-risk areas and barangays shall be led by the local DRRMCs based on the results of their PDRAs (pre-disaster risk assessments) on or before Dec. 16,” Yucot said.
He added that due to possible interruption of electricity, mobile, and internet connections, provincial and local DRMMCs are advised to explore all means of communicating advisories to the community.
OCD-Bicol likewise recommended the trimming of trees in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as de-clogging and cleaning of canals and rivers to prevent flooding, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“On coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-related preparedness and response activities, DRRM councils shall ensure that the maximum number of persons per evacuation center room shall meet the health standards in coordination with concerned agencies. The evacuation team must ensure that evacuees shall wear face masks,” the memo added.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office-Bicol also issued a memorandum suspending the land travel of vehicles bound for Visayas and Mindanao starting December 13 at 6 p.m., and Catanduanes and Masbate from December 14, until the lifting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in the affected ports in the region.
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) shall assist and provide security to the holding areas and choke points of trucks and buses en route to affected ports once TWCS is raised in the Northern Samar or Bicol Region,” Yucot added.
The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5), on the other hand, expressed readiness to respond to emergencies that might arise during the possible onslaught of “Odette”.
Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO5 regional director, said in a statement to ensure the safety of everyone, a Reactionary Standby Support Unit, search and rescue team; and quick response team composed of police personnel are on standby and ready for deployment if needed.
“The PNP Bicol will continue to monitor ports to ensure that the ‘no sailing policy’ implemented were being observed. We are on 24 hours standby to respond on any help needed by our fellow Bicolanos,” he added.
Estomo also advised everyone to stay at home and secure the family needs before the onslaught of “Odette”.
Source: Philippines News Agency