ILOILO City – A potentially strong typhoon may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) tomorrow.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas advised the public to be vigilant.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), severe tropical storm “Mangkhut” may develop into a super typhoon.
It will be called “Ompong” once inside the PAR.
“Makinig palagi sa news. Dapat lagi tayong handa. Prepare ‘yung mga first aid kits, flashlights and most of all pray for the protection of everyone,” said OCD regional director Jose Roberto Nuñez.
“Mangkhut” is being likened to last week’s Typhoon “Maymay” (international name: “Jebi”) which packed winds of 250 kph. It was considered the strongest typhoon to strike Japan since Typhoon “Yancy” in 1993.
At 11 a.m. today Nuñez said they will conduct a pre-disaster risk assessment (PDRA) and inventory of all disaster equipment.
Composing the PDRA core group are the regional offices of the OCD, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, Pagasa, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Philippine National Police, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, city and provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices, Philippine Red Cross, and National Telecommunication Commission.
While the trajectory of “Mangkhut” is the northernmost of Luzon, Nuñez said the typhoon would enhance the southwest monsoon and thus bring heavy rains to Western Visayas.
All disaster risk reduction management officers as first respondents must be on alert round the clock, stressed Nuñez.
Among others, they should check disaster-prone areas such as those easily flooded or highly at risk of landslides, he added.
An early assessment of high-risk areas is needed to effect early evacuation if needed, he explained.
“Ang target natin is zero casualty,” said Nuñez. “Ready na tayo kahit wala pa ‘yung bagyo.”
In Malacañang yesterday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque urged Filipinos, especially those living near seas, to find temporary homes to stay this early to avoid overcrowding in evacuation or resettlement areas.
“Hindi po namin mapipigilan ‘yung mga aberya gaya ng mga super typhoons pero mababawasan po natin ang danyos na dinudulot ng mga ganitong aberya sa pamamagitan ng pagiging handa (We cannot prevent disasters like super typhoons, but we can minimize the damage brought about by disasters by being prepared),” Roque said.
He added: “I-anticipate na po natin ang mga puwedeng mangyari para po wag na kayo manatili sa mga bahay-bahay ninyo (Let’s anticipate what will happen so that you won’t remain in your respective homes).”
Roque also urged the public to prepare emergency kits, stock up on food, water, and protect their possessions in case of flooding.
The state of readiness of all the agencies responding to calamities will be discussed during today’s Cabinet meeting, said Roque. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
