BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government has raised the Blue Alert status in anticipation of Tropical Storm Kristine’s potential impacts.
Acting Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon has issued a memorandum directing all unit leaders of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to intensify monitoring efforts in light of the tropical depression.
The Blue Alert status means local authorities, including the CDRRMO, are now on heightened readiness. It involves the mobilization of resources, increased coordination with relevant agencies, and the monitoring of vulnerable areas such as flood-prone zones, coastal communities, and evacuation centers.
In the memorandum, Ganzon stressed the importance of continuous surveillance and instructed that all related incidents be reported directly to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
This aims to ensure prompt and efficient coordination with the necessary offices and agencies, allowing for a swift response to any emergencies or issues arising from the tropical depression.
“Preparation for the effect of this tropical cyclone is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the Iloilo City DRRM Operations Center is placed on ‘Blue Alert’ status,” the memo read.
Weather forecast by the Pag-asa showed that “Kristine” continues to intensify while moving west-southwestward at 30 kilometers per hour. The tropical depression was estimated based on all available data at 1,050 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon.
It is also forecasted to move generally westward this morning before turning west-northwestward to northwestward on Thursday afternoon until the rest of the forecast period.
This tropical cyclone is forecast to make landfall over Northern Luzon by Friday afternoon and will intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours.
It may reach the severe tropical storm category by tomorrow afternoon or evening and the typhoon category by Thursday (24 October) afternoon or evening, before landfall over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.
In the memorandum, Ganzon advised residents of Iloilo City to remain vigilant by staying informed about weather updates concerning Tropical Depression Kristine and to be ready for evacuation if necessary.
Ganzon emphasized the importance of preparedness, urging citizens to take precautionary measures and heed official announcements from local authorities.
Additionally, the acting mayor directed all members of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) to implement disaster preparedness measures in their respective communities.
He noted that these measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens, particularly in flood-prone and other vulnerable areas.
The BDRRMCs were also instructed to report any developments or incidents to the Iloilo City Operations Center, allowing for real-time updates and efficient coordination of emergency response efforts.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) on the tropical depression in collaboration with barangay officials and members of the Response Cluster.
This session was held virtually via Zoom to ensure widespread participation and coordination. The session emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of weather conditions, especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas./PN
