Bicol Region on Red Alert for Low-Pressure Area Impact
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) operation center in Bicol has been placed on red alert as preparations intensify for the possible impact of a low-pressure area. Officials reported that the region is now under heightened emergency protocols to respond swiftly to any emerging threats.
In a recent memorandum, Claudio Yucot, director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol and chairperson of the RDRRMC, confirmed that the Bicol region is under protocol Charlie, indicating a high-risk situation under the emergency preparedness and response guidelines. This status activates immediate response measures across multiple government agencies.
Government Agencies Mobilize for Emergency Response
Sources said several national government agencies, as members of the response cluster, have been activated to ensure continuous coordination and readiness. The Department of Health is on alert to address medical needs, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepares to provide food, non-food items, and manage evacuation centers if necessary.
Additionally, the Department of Information and Communications Technology stands ready to maintain emergency telecommunications. The Police Regional Office-5 will oversee law enforcement, and the Joint Task Force Bicolandia is prepared for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.
Other agencies involved include the Department of Public Works and Highways for clearing debris, the Department of the Interior and Local Government to manage fatalities and missing persons, and the OCD to handle logistics support.
Preventive Measures and No-Sailing Policy Considered
Yucot urged the Coast Guard District Bicol and the provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices to enforce a no-sailing policy if conditions worsen. Community members noted that this precaution aims to protect residents from maritime hazards caused by rough seas associated with the low-pressure area.
DSWD Prepositions Supplies and Mobilizes Support
The DSWD in Bicol has prepositioned PHP177 million worth of food and non-food items to support affected families. These include 112,499 family food packs and various hygiene kits, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, and family kits. Ready-to-eat food packs total 12,100, along with other essential non-food items numbering 26,600.
DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio assured the public of the agency’s preparedness. He highlighted that in addition to prepositioned supplies, two mobile kitchens are on standby to deploy to different ports throughout the region for immediate food service.
Weather Update and Impact Forecast
As of 3 a.m., meteorological authorities reported that the low-pressure area was located 365 kilometers east of Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Although the system has a small chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, officials warned it could still bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.
The affected areas include Visayas, the Bicol Region, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Quezon. Local leaders advised residents to stay alert and monitor updates as conditions evolve.
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