Caraga: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) on Monday morning as the area continues to experience moderate to heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena.

According to Philippines News Agency, the activation of the QRT through its Disaster Response Management Division is aimed at ensuring immediate action during emergencies and enhancing coordination with local government units (LGUs) for timely and effective response operations. As of 11 a.m. on Monday, the center of Verbena was located 205 kilometers east-southeast of Surigao City.

The weather disturbance is marked by maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, gusts up to 55 kph, and a central pressure of 1002 hectopascal (hPa). Verbena is currently moving westward and approaching the region. Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, parts of Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as of Monday.

"The DSWD-13 remains on full alert and ready to serve whenever and wherever help is needed," the agency stated. Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. issued an order on Monday reiterating safety protocols and guidelines to all agencies amid the ongoing Verbena threat.

The executive order also activated the province's Emergency Operation Centers under Blue Code alert status. Demerey further directed the LGUs and relevant agencies to carry out proactive monitoring of areas prone to flooding, storm surges, and landslides, especially those already saturated by previous storms.