LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) held a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Oct. 22 to ensure preparedness of government agencies in anticipation of the possible impacts of Tropical Storm Kristine in Ilocos Norte.
The meeting focused on the strategies, resource allocation, and personnel deployment of member agencies in the disaster council.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said that 5,702 food packs are available in its warehouse in San Nicolas town and 50 sacks of rice donated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse.
Moreover, 15,000 family food packs are also prepared in Laoag City.
Furthermore, 500 packs are made ready in Adams and 200 food packs in Pancian District Hospital.
“These food packs are just aside from the food packs that were scheduled to be distributed to the LGUs (local government units),” said Jessa Aira Padilla, PSWDO representative in the meeting.
Engr. Gervy Carino from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that their equipment are stationed for any untoward incident along Ilocos Norte-Apayao Road, with two payloaders, two dump trucks, and a backhoe ready for deployment.
Equipment from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) are also prepositioned, which include five six-wheel trucks, three units of trucks, a cargo truck, and a payloader.
Backhoes are strategically positioned in Burgos, Marcos, Pagudpud, and Paoay, with operators and personnel on standby.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Ilocos Norte also reported their readiness, with 19 deployable personnel, seven assets, and vehicles for immediate deployment.
Residents in the coastal areas were also visited to ensure fisherfolk are informed on the possible impacts of the typhoon.
“Abisuhan talaga ang mga fisherfolk natin na huwag nang pumalaot kung sakaling malalakas na ang alon sa dagat at i-secure na ang mga bangka nila sa mas mataas na lugar kasi may mga naaanod na bangka at nasira,” said Marcell Tabije, Ilocos Norte local disaster risk reduction and management officer.
(Fisherfolk are really advised not to go out to sea when the waves are strong and to secure their boats in higher areas, as some boats have been swept away and damaged.)
With the government agencies on full force to ensure zero casualties, residents are strictly urged to follow orders from local authorities, especially on pre-emptive evacuation.
“If we’re told to evacuate, we should go to the evacuation centers to ensure our safety. We are doing everything we can to address the needs of our citizens who go to the evacuation centers,” assured Tabije. (AMB/MJTAB/MMLA-OJT PIA Ilocos Norte)
