Manila: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday placed its Operations Center on "blue alert" in preparation for the possible effects of Tropical Depression (TD) Mirasol. In a Facebook post, the NDRRMC said it raised the blue alert at 8 a.m. "to closely monitor, consolidate and to ensure prompt coordination with concerned agencies and offices" in case of any weather-related eventuality.
According to Philippines News Agency, primary or lead personnel from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) complemented by detailed duty officers (DDOs) shall render duty at the Operations Center. In a separate statement, the OCD said the DDOs are from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard. The OCD, in coordination with national and regional agencies, has already addressed possible scenarios including flooding, traffic disruptions, and other severe weather effects.
'We urge the public to implement safety measures and remain vigilant by following warnings and advisories. Government preparedness is in place - but individual responsibility remains crucial,' OCD administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said. The OCD said it is disseminating warnings through multiple platforms, including social media.
'Public awareness is essential for preparedness action. Our focus is also to ensure that critical advisories are delivered immediately and reach the affected and vulnerable communities. This is being carried out with the support of regional and local authorities,' Cabreros said. As of Wednesday noon, several areas in Northern Luzon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Mirasol continues to traverse the region.
Areas under TCWS No. 1 are Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora), Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northeastern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Manuel, Sison, San Quintin, Tayug), and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan).
