MANILA, (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has placed seven regions under the highest state of readiness as Tropical Storm Kristine approaches, prompting the activation of the “Charlie” emergency protocol on Monday night, October 21.
As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts Kristine to make landfall on Wednesday, October 23, the following regions are now under the “Charlie” protocol due to increased risk of hazards associated with the storm:
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
- Region II
- Region III
- Region V
- Region VIII
- CALABARZON
- MIMAROPA
Additionally, regions under the moderate risk response protocol, designated as “Bravo,” include:
- Region I
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
Seven regions classified as low risk and placed under the “Alpha” protocol are:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Region VI
- Region VII
- Region XII
- Region IX
- Region X
- CARAGA
According to OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the highest response protocol was prompted by projections from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) estimating that Tropical Storm Kristine could affect around 30 million people.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has warned that over 20,000 barangays are at risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Central Visayas, CAR, Eastern Visayas, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
“This is a considerable population at risk, and we need all hands on deck to mitigate the impacts of this disaster,” Nepomuceno said.
Highly urbanized areas in Metro Manila are also under threat from potential flooding, with approximately 1,403 barangays expected to be affected.
Cities at risk include Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, and others.
PAGASA has issued warnings regarding the potential for Wind Signal No. 4 as Tropical Storm Kristine approaches, with peak winds estimated at 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 80 kph.
As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in most areas nationwide, while Catanduanes in Luzon is under Signal No. 2.
Kristine is anticipated to intensify into a typhoon by Friday, October 25. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to prepare for possible evacuations and to stay informed about updates from local officials. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
