MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Lanao del Sur Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office reminded members of the Provincial DRRM Council to be vigilant and prepared as the ‘Ber’ months signal the onset of the tropical cyclone season.
During the council’s third quarter meeting on September 25, Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory explained the weather forecast for the last quarter of the year, noting that many destructive typhoons have historically impacted Mindanao during this time, including Sendong in 2011, Pablo in 2012, Vinta in 2017 and Odette in 2021.
Sambitory stated that the province could face stronger and more destructive storms due to post-El Niño conditions, which elevated ocean temperatures. He said recent weather events have already demonstrated the potential for severe local impacts, such as the flash floods triggered by the Southwest Monsoon.
To address these concerns, the PDRRMO is implementing three-tiered preparedness measures. The first layer focuses on the provincial level, the second on the component local government units (LGUs), including the 39 municipalities and the city of Marawi, and the third layer targets the barangays or communities.
Sambitory underscored the importance of PDRRMO’s capacity-building initiatives, stating, “What we are doing is more focus on capacity-building activities because that’s what we need. We must equip or enhance the capacities of each office, agency, LGU, and barangay or community in Lanao del Sur with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies.”
To support these efforts, the provincial response cluster brought together various agencies with relevant expertise. The Emergency Operations Center was established to enhance local response capabilities.
Training programs are likewise conducted to equip target individuals with essential skills such as first aid, basic life support, water search and rescue, high-angle rescue, and fire suppression, among others.
Sambitory, however, acknowledged the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, which can disrupt training schedules. “When there is a weather disturbance, we have to stop the training because we have to prioritize the monitoring and response to emergencies,” he explained.
As Lanao del Sur prepares for the season, the PDRRMC also urges residents to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
