The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V- Bicol monitor the ongoing preemptive evacuation efforts in the municipality of Buhi, Camarines Sur on November 10 due to the imminent threats posed by Tropical Cyclone Nika (Photo from DSWD Field Office 5 – Bicol Facebook Page)
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – With Typhoon Nika intensifying and approaching, authorities in the Bicol region have placed the entire area on high alert.
The Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) convened on Sunday, November 10, to ensure that partner agencies are prepared to deploy personnel and disaster response equipment in the event of emergencies brought on by Typhoon Nika.
RDRRMC Bicol chairperson Claudio Yucot stated that all agencies are on alert for the potential positioning of land and water assets from response clusters in anticipation of flooding along Nika’s projected path.
The RDRRMC has maintained a red alert status since the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October are still being felt, ensuring that personnel and resources are on standby for municipalities that may require assistance.
The disaster preparedness meeting focused on key measures, including the establishment of a logistics and transportation plan for rapid resource mobilization, as well as implementing an effective communication system that connects national, regional, and local disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs).
The meeting also discussed additional plans such as identifying alternate supply routes for delivering essential supplies and providing warnings and instructions to the public through various platforms, with a strong emphasis on safety measures and evacuation procedures.
The Bicol Regional Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a predictive analysis for humanitarian response to assess the needs of families likely to be severely affected by flooding and landslides caused by Nika.
The DSWD has ensured the availability of standby funds and has pre-positioned stockpiles worth approximately P146 million to support its relief efforts.
Additionally, a total of 2,130 evacuation centers are ready for occupancy, and 83 trained DSWD field office staff specializing in Camp Coordination and Camp Management are prepared for deployment, including 10 Quick Response Teams consisting of 342 members. (PIA5)
