VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Ilocos Sur remains on red alert as moderate to heavy rainfall has been experienced in the province since Monday, July 22, due to Typhoon Carina (International Name: Gaemi) and southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’.
“Ini-enhance nito [Typhoon Carina] ang southwest monsoon or habagat na nagdudulot ng malakas na ulan dito sa Ilocos Sur. Ngayon ay nag-conduct tayo ng pre-disaster risk assessment kasama ang other agencies natin to identify kung ano ang epekto ng bagyo and southwest monsoon ngayon. Nag-raise na tayo ng alert status from white to red alert status and nag-activate na tayo ng emergency operation center and nag-send ng mga warning,” said Rhon Arquelada, PDRRM officer.
(Typhoon Carina enhances the southwest monsoon or habagat which brings heavy rains here in Ilocos Sur. We conducted a pre-disaster risk assessment together with other agencies to identify the impact of the typhoon and the southwest monsoon. We have raised the alert status from white to red alert status and we have activated the emergency operation center and sent warnings.)
For continuous weather updates, Arquelada emphasized that the PDRRM office maintains constant coordination with all city and municipal DRRM offices.
Additionally, all personnel from provincial, city, and municipal DRRM offices are on duty 24/7, ensuring prompt response to any calamities or emergencies.
“Ang mga responders natin ay always ready at naka-standby lang sila. Pagdating naman sa mga equipment ay ready na ang mga ito at ready to deploy na mapa-sea at land man na equipment ay ready na lalong-lalo ang ating mga vehicles at mga bangka,” he added.
(Our responders are always prepared and on standby. Our equipment, including boats and vehicles, is ready to be deployed by sea or land.)
He then encouraged the public to monitor weather updates on social media, radio, TV, and other platforms, provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), provincial and local governments, the DRRM offices, and also the media and other government agencies that give constant news updates like the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
“Para sa mga malapit sa ilog, i-monitor natin kung mayroong pag-taas ng level ang mga ilog natin at gayun din ang mga landslide area sa mga upland municipalities natin, tingnan natin kung may mga senyales ng landslide and agad-agad na sumunod kapag may abiso ang ating mga local executives lalo na kapag mga sinabing mag-evacuate ay sundin natin kaagad,” Arquelada said.
(For those living near the river, let’s monitor the water levels and keep an eye on landslide-prone areas in our highland communities. Let’s be vigilant for any signs of landslides and act immediately upon receiving notifications from local authorities, especially if evacuation orders are given.)
Arquelada urged the public to promptly inspect and repair damaged items at home, clear clogged drains, and regularly check for weather updates.
As of 11:00 a.m. on July 23, the PAGASA reported that Typhoon Carina will bring strong to gale-force gusts in the Ilocos Region and other provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region III, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, among others.
No tropical cyclone wind signal is raised in Ilocos Sur as Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies and moves northward over the Philippine Sea. (MJTAB/JMCQ/VGS, PIA Ilocos Sur)
