Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. urged the public Sunday to take early precautions as a new weather disturbance is predicted to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a low-pressure area (LPA) off Virac, Catanduanes is expected to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. Once it enters the country, it will be called “Kristine.”
“Let us engage in proactive planning and stay informed with relevant updates to ensure we are adequately prepared. We are collaborating closely with all concerned agencies to establish a comprehensive and cohesive action plan,” Teodoro said.
He noted that predictive analyses from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) indicate that over a million individuals could be affected by the impending tropical cyclone.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported that 5,688 barangays are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions projected to be impacted by ‘Kristine,’ which is anticipated to make landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan by Thursday and may traverse northern Luzon.
The system is forecasted to reach typhoon intensity before landfall.
In response, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) instructed its regional offices to initiate preparedness measures, as the rainbands associated with the potential tropical cyclone may bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the Bicol region, Samar provinces, and other areas starting Tuesday.
Additionally, OCD regional offices have been directed to remind the public that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and PAGASA should be their primary sources of official weather updates to combat misinformation.
“We urge vulnerable communities to heed our call and make the necessary preparations for Kristine, our 11th tropical cyclone this year. Your cooperation is essential to our ongoing efforts to ensure your safety and well-being,” said OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.
Currently, all monitored dams are under non-flood watch status. However, Ambuklao, Binga, Magat, and San Roque are being closely monitored, according to the state weather bureau.
