Residents in Ilocos Norte currently experiencing the onslaught of Tropical Depression Obet were advised on Friday not to go fishing in swollen rivers and creeks as a precautionary measure during bad weather.
Children and other high-risk groups were likewise prohibited from swimming in beach resorts due to the gale warning and rough sea conditions.
“A Barangay Kagawad and or Tanod (village police) shall be assigned to strictly implement such,” read a public advisory posted on the official Facebook page of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Friday.
Marcel Tabije, local disaster risk reduction and management officer, also advised the City Veterinary Offices, Municipal Agriculture Offices, Barangay Agriculture and Fishery Coordinators, Barangay Animal Health Workers, and non-government organizations to take precautions to avoid further damage and threats to animals and livestock.
“Please coordinate with your local chief executive and barangay officials in identifying designated ‘animal shelters’,” he said.
Tabije also reminded farmers and livestock raisers to keep their animals on safe and high grounds and ensure that they have an adequate supply of water and food during bad weather.
“Let’s work together for a safe and resilient province so let us all remain alert and vigilant,” Tabije said.
As part of the general safety precautions, all village officials were also asked to clear waterways such as rivers, creeks, canals, and irrigation systems and ensure that these are not clogged with plastic materials and are free from debris.
In a road advisory update issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways on Friday, all vehicles were advised not to pass through the Ilocos Norte-Cagayan border as the Manila North Road along Barangay Pancian remains closed due to severe landslides.
As of this posting, the weather bureau said Obet is expected to gradually intensify and may reach the tropical storm category between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Source: Philippines News Agency
