DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- Preparations are underway as Super Typhoon Mawar enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting, May 26, called by Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI was presided over by Office of Civil Defense XI assistant regional director Lenny Duran-Alegre and attended by the representatives from different regional line agencies, including the local DRRM Offices of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental and Davao City.

The meeting aimed to determine readiness, capability and resilience of their respective communities amid the possible great impact of super typhoon "Betty."

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster  Engr. Lolit Vinalay explained during the meeting  that super typhoon Betty has no direct effect on the weather in Region XI, noting that the  localized thunderstorms will continue to be experienced in the region while severe thunderstorm may occur late afternoon and early evening.

“We will issue a gale warning once ST Betty is within the area of responsibility of our country because the waves will be moderate to rough by then and it is very dangerous to small fishing vessels,” Vinalay said.

She added that cancellation of flights may be possible but it will be issued in Manila and anywhere in Luzon since they maybe affected directly by the super typhoon. Geologic hazards will be issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI.

The local DRRMCs have agreed to continue to monitor their respective areas of responsibility, particularly coastal municipalities, for the possible effects of localized thunderstorms, as they ensured the immediate dissemination of gale warning advisories to all coastal towns and barangays.

The Davao de Oro PDRRMO assured to give focus in ensuring the safety of evacuees still staying in the evacuation centers due to the series of earthquakes.

The Davao del Norte PDRRMO will closely monitor families in landslide prone areas, while the Davao del Sur PDRRMO will coordinate with the municipalities on the availability of food packs especially on far-flung barangays.

All uniformed personnel also advised to standby for possible deployment to other affected areas as the need arises.  (JSGD/PIA XI)