LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte begins its extensive preparations for the impacts of Typhoon Carina in the province.
The southwest monsoon, intensified by the storm, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains to the province from July 23 until Wednesday.
In a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on July 22, Engr. Cynthia Iglesia, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Laoag, presented the latest forecast of the typhoon over the next 12 hours.
“The Bulu, Banban, Bacarra, Vintar, Laoag, and Quiaoit rivers and their tributaries are likely to be affected. Residents near these areas should stay alert and take necessary precautions,” said Iglesia.
To aid vulnerable sectors that may be affected by the effects of the typhoon, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) announced they have prepositioned essential goods in satellite warehouses across the province.
“The inventory includes 2,700 family good packs, 6,000 packs to be repacked, 400 cases of bottled water, 442 bags of rice, 630 sacks of National Food Authority (NFA) rice, 1,220 blankets, 2,400 towels, 2,000 pairs of slippers, 1,780 coffee mugs, and 715 packs of clothing essentials,” Rochelle Gajes, officer-in-charge of PSWDO, detailed.
She assured that all stocks are prepared, with repacking efforts ongoing.
Troops and personnel from the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 4th Marine Brigade, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are on standby for deployment and rescue operations.
Marcell Tabije, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, reminded the public to be prepared.
“We have to prepare for this tropical cyclone. Hopefully, it will not cause too much damage. We should be alert, ready, and vigilant,” Tabije stated.
He affirmed that the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte is fully prepared to handle the challenges posed by Typhoon Carina.
As Ilocos Norte braces for the impact of the cyclone, residents are urged to stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and cooperate with local authorities to ensure their safety and well-being. (AMB/MJTAB/JFGH PIA Ilocos Norte)
