Disaster agencies, LGUs prepare for LPA

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Disaster response agencies and local government units (LGUs) across the Bicol Region have intensified preparedness measures after the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) placed the region under red alert on Tuesday due to the potential effects of a low-pressure area (LPA), locally referred to as Pre-Henry.

RDRRMC chair Bernardo Fortez, concurrently the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-5) regional director, directed the activation of all response clusters and national government agencies, as well as provincial, city, and municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils, to implement heightened preparedness measures.

"The RDRRMC Operations Center was placed under red alert, with all response clusters ordered to maintain 24/7 operations and submit regular situation reports at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.," he said in an interview.

Activated response clusters include: Health, Food and Non-Food Items, Camp Coordination and Management, Internally Displaced Persons Protection, Emergency Telecommunications, Law and Order, Logistics, Search, Rescue and Retrieval, Debris Clearing, Crisis Communication, Shelter, Early Recovery, Management of the Dead and Missing, and Education.

Fortez also directed the cluster lead agencies to place response teams on standby for immediate deployment, activate Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams, ensure that communication systems remain operational, and coordinate closely with LGUs.

Provincial, city, and municipal DRRM councils were instructed to activate emergency centers, convene risk assessment meetings, implement contingency plans, prepare evacuation centers, preposition resources, and advise residents in flood- and storm-prone communities to be ready for possible evacuation if conditions worsen.

The LGUs were further directed to clear drainage systems and waterways, trim trees along major roads and near critical infrastructure, closely monitor weather conditions, and promptly report weather-related incidents to the RDRRMC Operations Center.

Bicol provinces brace for possible LPA effects

As the region remains on heightened alert, provincial governments have also adopted additional precautionary measures.

In Camarines Sur, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) activated response clusters for health, rescue, telecommunications, evacuation, camp management, education, law and order, debris clearing, logistics, food and non-food supplies, dead and missing management, and environment.

Authorities also suspended activities such as swimming and island-hopping, and advised fisherfolk and operators of small boats to avoid venturing into the seas, rivers, and lakes until weather conditions improve.

Masbate Governor Richard Kho banned small sea vessels and watercraft from sailing within the province until further notice. He also authorized local officials and school administrators to suspend classes in affected areas based on weather conditions.

Kho said the measures were adopted in response to the latest weather advisories issued by the state weather bureau and the PDRRMC's recommendation.

In Batuan, Masbate, Mayor Marco Cam suspended classes in all public and private schools Tuesday due to forecasts of continuous heavy rains associated with the LPA.

Cam advised students to stay indoors for their safety and urged residents to report hazards or emergencies immediately through the municipality's emergency hotlines. (With a report from Melrose Lagonoy/PNA)