Disaster relief agencies meet for ‘Isang’ contingency measures

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday convened a pre-disaster risk assessment in preparation for the possible impact of tropical depression ‘Isang’. (Photo: NDRRMC/Facebook)

MANILA –The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday convened a pre-disaster risk assessment in preparation for the possible impact of tropical depression ‘Isang’.

Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator and concurrent NDRRMC executive director, chaired the meeting which was held at the NDRRM Operations Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In attendance were Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Renato U. Solidum, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Hope V Hervilla and representatives from member agencies DOST-PAGASA, OCD, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard.

According to PAGASA, ‘Isang’ was located 735 km east of Basco, Batanes with a maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kph and gustiness of up to 65 kph and is moving west northwest at 19 kph.

Moderate to occasionally heavy rains is expected within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression which may trigger flashfloods and landslides over extreme Northern Luzon. It is projected to be closest to Batanes Group of Islands Monday evening or Tuesday, early morning and is likely to intensify into a Tropical Storm within the next 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 is raised over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands.

‘Isang’ is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, this weather disturbance may enhance the southwest monsoon especially over the western section of Luzon and Visayas in the coming days.

Residents in landslide and flood prone areas are advised to monitor, prepare and await advise from their local government for possible evacuation.

The DILG has directed local government units concerned to take the necessary precautionary measures as outlined in the Operation “L!sto”.

While DSWD has ensured the prepositioning of food and non-food items in the local councils for necessary distribution when the need arises.

The National Council as well as its Regional DRRM Councils shall continuously monitor the movement and effects of ‘Isang’.

All local chief executives are directed to be on standby for the expected heavy rainfall in Northern Luzon and western sections of Luzon and Visayas. Everyone is encouraged to remain alert and monitor weather updates through TV, radio and social media.