Roxas urges public to reconsider travel plans due to ‘Chedeng’

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas in today’s joint NDRRMC-PDRRMC briefing; he emphasized the President’s instructions to evacuate residents in coastal areas. (Photo by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office)

MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel ”Mar’ Roxas II urged the public to reconsider their vacation plans if they are set to visit areas to be affected by typhoon Chedeng during the holidays.

“Please adjust your travel plans…

Tatama siya sa may (It will hit) Isabela- Aurora-Northern Quezon areas anytime between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Mag-ingat po tayo (Let’s take care)!” Roxas said.

For those who are currently staying in these places, Roxas encouraged them to return to their homes by Friday, as the Typhoon is expected to make a landfall over eastern coast of Aurora or Isabela by Sunday (April 5).

The public is alerted against possible flashfloods over low-lying areas and landslides along mountain slopes, particularly over Aurora-Isabela area.

“We can’t afford to risk the safety of the residents and an estimated 10,000 tourists in the various towns on the Eastern seabord,” Roxas said.

As of Thursday, typhoon Chedeng slightly weakened at 175 kph sustained winds, with gusts up to 215 kph, and now moving north. Its diameter also decreased from 700 km to 500 km.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected but are not enough to cause flooding and dam overflow. Storm surges are also likely to occur, making coastal tourist attractions highly vulnerable to the typhoon’s possible effects.

The DILG has already alerted the local governments, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other government agencies to relay pertinent information, offer assistance to stranded travelers, as well as to ensure the safety of all people in the identified areas.

“Listo lang po lagi tayo (We should always be alert), and should you need any assistance, the whole of government is at your service,” Roxas said.