The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) on Monday placed the region under a “blue alert” in preparation for the effects of the low pressure area (LPA) monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In a meeting, Claudio Yucot, OCD Bicol director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chairman, said RDRRMC response agencies shall place their respective emergency operations centers in 24/7 status and provide with an official list of available assets for deployment and indicate its capabilities.
Yucot said all Provincial DRRM Offices must be on standby to support response activities.
He said local DRRMCs were directed to closely monitor and coordinate with their respective areas of responsibility.
The council heads must be ready with their respective contingency plans, implement preparedness measures, put up operation centers, and deploy response teams throughout the region, he added.
Yucot said local DRRMCs shall implement no sailing policy based on the assessment with PAGASA and Coast Guard, or if a tropical cyclone weather signal is raised.
They shall also de-clog and clean canals and rivers to prevent flooding while trimming of trees shall be undertaken in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways, he said.
“During the evacuation, member agencies and DRRM councils shall ensure that the standard number of maximum numbers of persons per evacuation vehicle is met while ensuring health standards are being practiced,” Yucot added.
Source: Philippines News Agency
