DSWD on Blue Alert as Northern Luzon Faces Heavy Rains
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has declared a blue alert in response to the heavy rains brought by a low pressure area (LPA) off Northern Luzon. This early action aims to ensure swift assistance and preparedness in the regions likely to be affected.
Maria Isabel Lanada, director of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau, confirmed the alert during the agency’s recent media briefing. She emphasized the importance of readiness to protect vulnerable communities.
Coordinated Efforts Across Regions
Under the blue alert status, DSWD’s central office is actively coordinating with its regional counterparts in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. These efforts are geared toward anticipating the impact of the LPA and mobilizing necessary resources.
“We are preparing so that our food and non-food items are readily available in all areas that may be hit by this low pressure area,” Lanada said in Filipino, highlighting the department’s commitment to swift aid delivery.
Resources Ready for Deployment
The department has allocated standby funds amounting to approximately P147.7 million. Alongside this financial readiness, over 3 million family food packs and more than 337,000 non-food items are set for immediate distribution.
These non-food items include evacuation center kits designed to provide protected spaces for women and children, family kits, and hygiene kits, ensuring a comprehensive response to the needs of displaced families.
Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Several Provinces
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a heavy rainfall outlook forecasting 100 to 200 millimeters of rain from Thursday to Friday afternoon in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan. Other areas, including Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Metro Manila, and several provinces in Luzon, are expected to receive between 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall.
Local officials have been advised to remain vigilant and prepare evacuation plans as needed to minimize risks from flooding and landslides.
For more news and updates on weather alerts and disaster response, visit Filipinokami.com.