BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – Members of the Cordillera Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) ensures preparedness measures are in place with the threat of Severe Tropical Storm Leon and the upcoming Undas on November 1 and 2.
During the virtual CRDRRMC Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment for the Observance of Undas 2024 with Weather Updating on October 28, 2024, Engr. Mar Santos and Engr. Larry Esperanza of the PAGASA Baguio Synoptic Station presented the weather forecast on Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Leon.
“Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms nitong Undas. In our area, asahan po natin ang isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms,” shared Esperanza.
Vince Paolo Obille of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera also advised local government units and DRRM councils to monitor their areas of responsibilities for possible occurrence of landslides and mudslides.
He added that there are 882 barangays in the region that are more likely to experience flooding and landslides due to the Easterlies enhanced by STS Leon.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera also ensured the readiness of relief assistance to communities and individuals who will be affected by STS Leon.
“We have 64,700 stockpile that will augment the needs of families and individuals who will be potentially affected,” the DSWD-CAR reported.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCAR) also reported a total of 187 Police Assistance Desk that will be available to serve the public during the All Souls Day and All Saints Day on November 01-02, 2024.
PMaj. Willy Dumansi of the PROCAR Regional Community Affairs and Development Division also reported that a total of 1,196 PNP personnel with 774 expected augmentation from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and DRRM office; and 807 force multipliers from the Barangay Peace Action Teams and other volunteer groups will be deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of Undas 2024.
The BFP and DPWH also reported activation of assistance desks to help motorists and the public during the two-day spiritual holiday.
The health department also presented their 24-hour operations of the regional patient navigation and referral unit operations to ensure immediate health response.
In terms of connectivity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, presented available communication equipment to secure open communication lines across the region.
Other member agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) also assured preparedness actions for their stakeholders.
Said offices also reported ongoing reporting and consolidation of damages due to tropical storm Kristine.
Aside from the national line agencies, the local DRRM councils of Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province also shared updates and concerns in their areas of responsibilities.
CRDRRMC Chairperson Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera (OCD-CAR) Director Albert Mogol, through OCD-CAR Operations Section Chief Frankie Cortez, stressed the proper planning and preparation to avoid untoward incidents.
“Ang importante po is pre-emptive evacuation sa low-lying areas and flood and landslide prone areas lalo na sa red areas identified by the MGB. We will also urge the proper monitoring of cemeteries and tourism sites,” he emphasized.
As of 5:00 PM of 28 October 2024, STS Leon further intensifies over the Philippine Sea. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 is hoisted over the provinces of Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and the northern portion of Benguet (Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod, Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan). (JJPM, PIA-CAR, Abra)
