NDRRMC Prepares for Ty Mangkhut

Members of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) discuss the country’s preparations on the entry of TY Mangkhut (I.N.) in a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Usec Ricardo B Jalad presided over the meeting, attended by DSWD Undersecretary Hope V Hervilla, NEDA Undersecretary Adoracion M Navarro, and representatives from partner agencies and organizations namely: DOST-PAGASA, DILG, DSWD, NEDA, DOST-PHIVOLCS, DOH, DENR-MGB, DepEd, DPWH, AFP, PNP, BFP, PCG, CHED, DBM, PRC, NEA, NAMRIA, PIA, World Vision, NTC, SMART, GLOBE, and ABS-CBN. Regional DRRM Councils I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, CARAGA, and CAR joined the meeting via videoconference.

According to PAGASA, TY Mangkhut (I.N.) has further intensified with a maximum sustained winds of 205 kph and gustiness of up to 255 kph moving west at 20 kph. It was estimated at 1,190 km East Northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It is expected to enter PAR this afternoon, and will be named Ompong. TY Mangkhut has a diameter of 900 km.

This weather system outside PAR is currently enhancing the Southwest Monsoon which may bring occasional rains over Palawan, Mindoro Provinces, and Western Visayas by Friday and Saturday.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 may be raised over Eastern Luzon as early as tonight or tomorrow early morning, 13 September 2018. TY Mangkhut (I.N.) is forecast to traverse the Cagayan-Batanes area and its eye may possibly make landfall over Sta Ana, Cagayan area on Saturday morning, 15 September 2018.

Heavy rains and strong winds may be experienced over Northern Luzon and parts of Central and Southern Luzon. Surrounding seas are expected to have rough to very rough condition. Metro Manila may be issued with TCWS 1 between 14-15 September 2018.

Residents along the coastal areas of Cagayan Province and Ilocos Norte are alerted against possible storm surge. Likewise, people living in flood and landslide prone areas are advised to undertake necessary preparations as early as possible. Families are expected to heed the call of Local Government Units on pre-emptive evacuation if the situation warrants.

The NDRRMC Operations Center is currently on RED alert and the Response Cluster has been activated. The National Council is closely monitoring actions and preparations on the threats of the incoming typhoon in close coordination with its Regional DRRM Councils. This is to ensure the orchestrated response of the government to address the safety and welfare of communities likely to be affected.

DILG has activated its reporting systems to closely monitor the preparations of local government units concerned particularly the implementation of pre-emptive evacuation. DSWD has ensured the prepositioning of food and non-food items on the ground, and is preparing for possible augmentation of relief supplies to affected-communities. Likewise, through the DOH, health teams, medicines and medical supplies have been pre-positioned for immediate access of those in need.

The Logistics Cluster led by the Office of Civil Defense has ensured that land, air, and sea assets are in place to immediately transport additional teams and supplies to stricken areas if necessary.

Quick Response Teams have been deployed in the Province of Batanes and has established alternative communication devices to ensure that communication lines will remain open during the onslaught of the typhoon. Additional Quick Response Teams and Health Emergency Response Teams are on standby for immediate deployment in affected areas.

The PIA is strengthening the sharing of government information through the social media to ensure that accurate and timely information would be reaching the public especially on the preparations and effects of the typhoon.

The public is advised to prepare for the heavy rains and strong winds. Communities and families are advised to plan ahead of time. Everyone is encourgaged to share only the latest, credible, and relevant information on the current weather systems prevailing in the country from the state weather bureau. (OCD)