ILOILO City – Western Visayas’ local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies are prepared for the possible entry of Super Typhoon “Mawar” – so far the world’s strongest storm of 2023.
The operation center of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) may raise a red alert today, according to Melissa Banias, chief of the Operations Section of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6.
The 24/7 Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) is closely monitoring weather developments, consolidating reports, and coordinating with concerned agencies and stakeholders.
The RDRRMC may activate the Charlie Protocol or the highest Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) protocol.
It is enjoining all its member agencies and local DRRMCs to submit their respective preparedness measures.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 said they have enough food and non-food items (FNFIs) ready for relief augmentation to LGUs should the need arises.
As of May 24, some P89 million worth of FNFIs were stockpiled in different regional warehouses and preposition sites.
For food packs alone, the agency has prepositioned a total of 73,061 packs worth P46.5 million – 8,451 are at the Regional Warehouse in Oton, Iloilo; 13,592 at the Regional Warehouse in Bacolod City; 2,700 in Lipata Port, Culasi, Antique; and 38,451 in 37 partner LGUs.
Meanwhile, the stockpiled non-food items (NFIs) worth P42.5 million are composed of hygiene, sleeping, family, and kitchen kits, tents, laminated sacks, and other non-food relief goods.
Based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) advisory issued 11 a.m. yesterday, Super Typhoon “Mawar” is forecast to track generally west northwestward until Sunday while accelerating before turning northwestward on Sunday.
It would possibly enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Friday night or early Saturday morning.
It will be named “Betty” once it enters the PAR.
The typhoon will begin to decelerate on Sunday as it begins to move closer towards the waters east of extreme Northern Luzon.
The center of Mawar’s eye is forecast to be within 250 kilometers of the Batanes-Babuyan archipelago by next week during the slowdown period.
“Mawar” is forecast to reach its peak intensity within 24 hours.
It is also forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat which may bring monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and Visayas beginning Sunday or Monday./PN
