MALASIQUI: The Ilocos Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has instructed local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMO) in the region to swiftly implement preventative measures against potential storm surges instigated by Severe Tropical Storm Nika. According to Philippines News Agency, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - Ilocos Director and RDRRMC chair Laurence Mina emphasized in a memorandum that all LDRRMOs are required to carry out preemptive evacuations as necessary to safeguard communities residing in high-risk areas. A Storm Surge Warning No. 4, released on Sunday afternoon, cautioned of moderate to high-risk storm surges anticipated within the next 48 hours, as reported by the OCD on social media. The warning highlights the threat of inundation due to rising sea levels coupled with high waves, particularly in low-lying coastal communities in various municipalities. Those at risk include Bacarra, Badoc, Currimao, and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, along with several towns in Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The anticipated storm surge is estimated to reach between one to two meters in these areas. Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte face a higher threat, with surges estimated between 2.1 to 3 meters. In response to the looming threat, the provincial governments of La Union and Pangasinan have suspended classes on Monday across all educational levels in both public and private institutions. The southern part of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northeastern portion of Pangasinan, central Aurora, southern mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, southern Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, and northern Nueva Ecija were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 as of 8 p.m. Meanwhile, the remaining areas of Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Aurora, Tarlac, northern and central Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, eastern Laguna, east ern Quezon, and portions of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and northeastern Albay were under Signal No. 1. This expansive alert underscores the widespread impact anticipated from Severe Tropical Storm Nika.