CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Isabela is preparing for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Kristine to protect the lives and properties of Isabeleños.
During an emergency meeting and Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment, PDRRM Officer Atty. Constante Foronda Jr. announced that rescue teams and equipment from the provincial government, as well as units from various government agencies, are on standby and ready for deployment throughout the province.
Relief goods and packs are being prepared at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, along with supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 2, which are stationed in Santiago City and in City of Ilagan.
Social Welfare Officer Rose Nicasio reported that their office has 35,833 food and non-food items ready, while DSWD Region 2 has 18,617 relief goods available for residents affected by Kristine.
To prevent power interruptions during the storm, tree pruning activities will be carried out by the Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO 1 and 2), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the 202nd Ready Reserve Battalion. This precautionary measure will be implemented along national, provincial, city, and municipal roads.
Additionally, the National Irrigation Administration – Magat River Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) opened one spillway gate of the Magat Reservoir in anticipation of incoming rainfall from the dam’s watershed areas. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has advised farmers to harvest their palay before the typhoon strikes.
Foronda stated that the PDRRMC Isabela Emergency Operations Center will be activated 24/7 until Tropical Storm Kristine has passed, with normal operations resuming once there are no longer tropical cyclone wind signals in the province. (MGE/PIA Isabela)
