NDRRMC Preps for TD Henry

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) discusses the preparations for Tropical Depression Henry in a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting at the NDRRM Operations Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Usec Ricardo B Jalad presided over the meeting attended by representatives from NDRRMC Member Agencies namely: DOST-PAGASA, DILG, DSWD, DENR-MGB, DOTr, DICT, DPWH, AFP, PCG, NAMRIA, NEDA, BFP, PNP, and DepEd. Likewise, Regional DRRM Councils I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, NCR, and CAR joined the meeting via video conference.

Tropical depression Henry has maintained its strength as it moves towards extreme Northern Luzon. According to PAGASA, TD Henry was located at 400 km East of Aparri, Cagayan with a maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts of up to 65 kph moving west at 25 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal number 1 is raised in Batanes, northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, northern portion of Apayao, and northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Occasional rains with gusty winds are expected over these areas. Furthermore, very light to no damage in high-risk structures, while light to medium damage in low-risk structures are possible.

The tropical depression is expected to pass in the vicinity of the Babuyan Group of Islands tonight. Meanwhile, Southwest Monsoon or Habagat will continue to affect Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Provinces, Palawan, and Western Visayas. Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may be experienced over the rest of Luzon.

Residents in landslide and flood-prone areas are advised to take the necessary precautions as early as possible. Fisherfolk and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS 1 and the western seaboards of Luzon due to moderate to rough seas.

TD Henry is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow morning, July 17.

The National Council and Regional DRRM Councils likely to be affected has raised alert status to BLUE, effective 1:00 PM today, in continuous monitoring of the prevailing weather systems in the country. DILG has advised all local government units to implement preparedness activities in accordance with the Operation L!STO protocols. DSWD ensured the availability of sufficient relief items including standby funds and the prepositioning of necessary food and non-food items.

The public is advised to heed the call of Local DRRM Councils for evacuation if the need arises.

Everyone is encouraged to prepare, and not to be complacent about the prevailing weather situation. All are enjoined to monitor updates on these weather systems through radio, TV, and social media. (NDRRMC)