In anticipation of the rainy season, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council (PDRRMRC) has started preparing for possible damaging effects this season may cause.
On May 29, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Deputy Administrator Flaviana Hilario said the onset of rainy season may be declared on the first or second week of June.
However, Hilario noted that some parts of the country such as the Ilocos Region, Cagayan, Tarlac, and Zambales will experience below normal rainfall condition this month. Meanwhile, rainfall conditions will be generally normal all over Luzon and Visayas by July.
According to Mr. Marcell Tabije of PDRRMRC, the province is leading an information dissemination drive to city and municipal disaster risk reduction management officers regarding the onset of the rainy and typhoon season.
“Bukod sa constant weather monitoring, patuloy din ang pag-abiso natin sa mga community officials upang i-monitor ang mga flood prone areas, landslide prone areas, at storm surge risk areas, lalong-lalo na sa coastal areas,” Tabije said.
As part of PDRRMRC’s measures for disaster prevention and mitigation, the council is preparing equipment for use in times of calamity, such as ambulance, dump trucks, and rubber boats, including relief goods, food packs, and medical supplies.
The council is also making sure all evacuation centers and its facilities are ready and available.
Last September 2018, Typhoon “Ompong” devastated Ilocos Norte, causing damage in agriculture and infrastructure with an estimated cost of 4.4 Billion Pesos. Although identified as hardly achievable, the province recorded a zero-casualty rate during its onslaught.
“Zero casualty during calamity is our province’s primary goal. Kailangan din ng regular monitoringsa health conditions ng mga senior citizens, persons with disabilities, at pregnant women kasi sila ang priority natin.
Kaya ‘yong programa ni Governor Imee R. Marcos na ‘Lolo and Lola Watch’ ay dapat ma-implement lahat sa mga respective areas natin upang maiwasan ang kahit ano mangcasualty sa ating probinsya,” Tabije added.
He also advised the public to be vigilant for unfavorable weather; urging livestock owners to secure animals in designated shelters. – (Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO)
