MANILA, (PIA) — The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) has raised the alert level to “Alpha Protocol” in response to tropical cyclone Kristine, following a meeting on October 21 to assess the potential impacts on local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In Memorandum No. 32, issued by the MMDRRMC and signed by its chairperson and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the council emphasized the need for “heightened emergency preparedness and response protocols” as Kristine approaches. The “Alpha Protocol” or representing a low risk, will remain in effect until further notice, the memorandum said.
Under the protocol, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-NCR) is tasked with disseminating warning messages, advisories, and relevant directives. The agency will also initiate subsequent meetings to monitor the situation and develop situational reports reflecting the preparedness measures undertaken by the council.
Warning and technical agencies, on the other hand, such as PAGASA-NCR and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), are expected to provide continuous updates regarding the storm’s threats.
According to MGB, highly urbanized areas in Metro Manila are under threat from potential flooding, with approximately 1,403 barangays expected to be affected across NCR.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-NCR) is directing all 17 LGUs to implement preparedness measures based on established protocols, including Operation LISTO.
Moreover, the MMDRRMC’s Crisis Communications Cluster led by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-NCR), spokespersons, and information officers of various agencies, have been tasked to “conduct aggressive risk communication” and cascade information about the latest situation.
The memorandum also calls for response clusters, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-NCR), to undertake resource inventory and monitor the situation, responding to requests for assistance as needed.
Council members are requested to attend a Virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting on October 22 starting at 3:00 p.m. They are also instructed to submit periodic situational reports to the secretariat at [email protected] at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for inclusion in the MMDRRMC’s situational reports.
Meanwhile, as PAGASA forecasts Kristine to make landfall on Wednesday, October 23, the following regions have been placed under the “Charlie” protocol or the highest state of readiness, due to increased risk of hazards associated with the storm:
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
- Region II
- Region III
- Region V
- Region VIII
- CALABARZON
- MIMAROPA
PAGASA has also issued warnings regarding the potential for Wind Signal No. 4 as Kristine approaches, with peak winds estimated at 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 80 kph.
As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in most areas nationwide, while Catanduanes in Luzon is under Signal No. 2.
Kristine is anticipated to intensify into a typhoon by Friday, October 25. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to prepare for possible evacuations and to stay informed about updates from local officials.
The MMDRRMC urges the public to remain calm and follow local government protocols as preparations are underway to mitigate the impact of tropical cyclone Kristine. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
