QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has elevated 13 provinces in Luzon to Alert Level Charlie (Red) under its Operation Listo protocol as of 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11, in response to the impending threat of Typhoon Nika.
Under Alert Level Charlie, areas can expect intense and continuous rainfall, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. The provinces affected include:
- Ifugao
- Isabela
- Ilocos Sur
- Ilocos Norte
- Cagayan
- Kalinga
- Quirino
- Mountain Province
- Abra
- Apayao
- Aurora
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Benguet
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has instructed the evacuation of 2,500 barangays that may be directly affected by Typhoon Nika.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on standby, with food packs and response facilities prepositioned to provide immediate assistance to those in distress.
“We have advised all the governors involved in the 2,500 barangays to prepare for evacuation, especially in areas prone to floods and landslides. The DSWD has prepositioned the necessary food packs and response facilities. The five airports servicing the region have also been notified to ensure the area is clear,” Remulla explained during a press briefing.
Additional provinces in Luzon have been placed under Alert Levels Bravo (Orange) and Alpha (Yellow) as part of the government’s comprehensive response to the storm.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
