LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte residents have been bracing all day for the effects of Tropical Storm ‘Carina' (Gaemi) as the weather disturbance continues to bring light to moderate rains in this part of Luzon.
Marcell Tabije, Ilocos Norte local disaster risk reduction and management officer, on Monday urged residents living in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and prepare for the bad weather.
"Let us make sure that we have mechanisms in place just in case the weather situation will escalate. We need to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.
Tabije also reminded local governments to implement provincial government typhoon-related measures such as activation of all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee and enjoining all residents to participate in community flood mitigation activities; assigning of Barangay Health Workers to regularly monitor the health condition of vulnerable groups; ensuring the functionality of equipment such as dump trucks, rubber boats, and ambulances; activating local rescue teams and other emergency resources for immediate deployment; and facilitate the preparation and regular submission of timely and accurate situation report, among others.
In a flood advisory issued on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that people living in mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of rivers and tributaries of Bulu, Banban, Bacarra, Vintar, Laoag, and Quiaoit in Ilocos Norte as well as in lower Abra, Silay-Sta. Maria, Buaya, and Amburayan are likely to be affected by 12-hour moderate to heavy rains.
“Please exercise caution and evacuate immediately if threatened,” Tabije said.
Due to heavy rains, a rockslide was reported along the Nueva Era-Pinili Road on Monday while the Pancian, Pagudpud road has been on and off to traffic due to road clearing operations.
Rochelle Gajes, Ilocos Norte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) officer-in-charge, told the Philippine News Agency that around 7,000 food packs had been prepositioned at satellite warehouses of the PSWDO in the towns of Solsona, Pasuquin, Banna, and Pagudpud.
These include non-food items such as blankets, towels, sleepers, coffee mugs, and clothes.
Evacuation centers are also equipped with adequate supplies and facilities.
To beef up the disaster preparedness of the province, the provincial government on Friday received at least four rigid hull inflatable boats with outboard motor trailers from the Office of the Civil Defense in Region 1.
Ilocos Norte has also a new boom/man lift truck and 4x4 rescue vehicles which are ready for dispatch. (PNA)
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