The provincial government of Negros Oriental is gearing up for Severe Tropical Storm Odette before it is expected to cut across the Visayas starting Thursday through Friday.
Adrian Sedillo, executive director of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday that all local government units (LGUs) have been alerted to prepare for the worst scenario and monitor weather forecasts on “Odette”.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its 5 a.m. bulletin, said “Odette” was estimated somewhere near east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph).
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, Negros Oriental was among other areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Sedillo said based on available data from PAGASA, the storm would bring moderate to heavy rains over the province starting Thursday.
The provincial government called for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on Monday which lasted until late that day, with different agencies such as the PAGASA, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Coast Guard, present in preparation for the onslaught of “Odette”, he said.
LGUs are now ready to implement their respective disaster response and mitigation plans of action, he added.
“Initial weather forecast showed central parts of Negros Oriental could be hit by the storm although there is still a slim chance its path will change slightly, either moving upward or downward but definitely we will be getting rains and experiencing strong winds,” Sedillo said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Roel Degamo, in a recorded video statement posted on Facebook, called on the people to take the necessary precautions as Negros Oriental and the entire Visayas are in the path of the storm.
“I am warning the people, especially those in the coastlines and in areas vulnerable to landslides to undertake pre-emptive measures to avoid danger when Odette arrives,” he said in the local dialect.
The governor cited PAGASA’s forecast that “Odette” would hit Negros Oriental Thursday afternoon and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains.
Sedillo said the Philippine Army has committed to deploy two battalions while the police has also assured that its Provincial Mobile Safety Companies will be on standby alert to respond to any emergencies.
It is up to the LGUs to determine and decide on preventive evacuation, he pointed out.
The province’s Operational Command Center is activated with its equipment ready for use, he said.
Source: Philippines New Agency
