TACLOBAN CITY: The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) on Thursday sent two teams to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces as part of its preparation for the possible effects of incoming Tropical Storm Man-yi (to be named Pepito). The two teams consist of eight individuals each from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, and Philippine National Police. According to Philippines News Agency, OCD 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, RDRRMC chair, stated that although the region would not be directly hit by the storm, its tail-end is expected to bring rains, particularly in the northern part of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar. The soil in these areas is already saturated due to the previous weather disturbances. Torrecarion emphasized the importance of monitoring the impact of rains, as it may affect some parts of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar. The response teams were strategically deployed to Oras town in Eastern Samar and Catarman in Northern Samar, given their proximity to areas typically affected by flooding. Torrecarion explained that the teams are positioned close enough to support local government units effectively while maintaining a safe distance to ensure operational efficiency. Their presence is intended to bolster local efforts and facilitate rapid communication between regional and national entities. DILG-8 Director Arnel Agabe highlighted that preparedness is a key component of disaster resiliency, emphasizing the collaborative effort of various agencies to provide assistance in times of disaster. Agabe remarked on the importance of this initiative in offering hope and reassurance to affected communities. In addition to deploying the composite team, the DSWD is set to send out a mobile communication vehicle for the first time. This decision follows insights gained from previous weather events, where ground presence improved communication and coordination. Furthermore, the DSWD has prepositioned over 84,700 family food packs and non-food items across the six provinces in the region to ensure readiness. As of Thursday noon, the center of the tropical storm was estimated, based on all available data, to be 1,375 km east of northeastern Mindanao. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that most areas in Luzon and Eastern Visayas face risks of heavy rainfall, severe winds, and possible storm surge inundation, potentially leading to significant impacts.