Manila: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been on red alert since Monday afternoon as part of its preparedness measures against Tropical Storm Kristine, which is expected to batter a large part of the country within the next few days. "For us here at NDRRMC, we are on 'red alert' since 1700 (5 p.m.) yesterday (Monday). And this is so para mabantayan po natin yun mga pangangailangan ng 17 regional offices natin kung meron man (and this is to monitor the needs of our 17 regional offices should they arise)," Office of Civil Defense - NDRRMC spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas said during an online briefing Tuesday. "Red alert" means all agency personnel must be on duty to respond to calamities. He added that their communication teams have been working with the Philippine Information Agency, represented by Deputy Director General, Assistant Secretary Ares Gutierrez in the briefing, and its regional offices to communicate to people of regions that might be affected by Kris tine of the need to be prepared for all eventualities and so that they can act accordingly. "We cannot procrastinate for a typhoon as strong as Kristine," Posadas said. As this developed, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it had activated its disaster response teams and placed all its available air and ground assets on standby. Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said this in anticipation of the possible impact of Kristine and highlights the service's preparedness to conduct immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. "As part of its proactive measures, search and rescue units, including specialized water search and rescue teams, are on high alert. Additionally, Sokol, Black Hawk, Huey helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft like C-130, C-295, NC-212i, and N-22 are ready for deployment and operations across the country. These resources are crucial for executing search and rescue missions, delivering essential supplies, and providing medical assistance to aff ected communities," she added. Castillo said the PAF's proactive measures demonstrate its unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino people during times of crisis. "As the storm's strength and trajectory continue to develop, the Air Force remains vigilant and prepared to take action as needed," she added. Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) also marshaled its disaster response unit teams and rescue assets to assist communities in Northern Luzon that will be affected by Kristine. The 5th Infantry Division, whose area of responsibility covers the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera region, and parts of the Ilocos region, readied 186 HADR teams composed of 881 soldiers, reservists, and CAA members, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said. The 5th Infantry Division also prepared three rubber boats and 88 land assets, which include military trucks, ambulances, and pickup trucks. He also added that the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion of the Combat Engineer Regiment also placed on alert two light urban search and r escue (USAR) teams composed of 40 personnel to respond to any flooding incident in Metro Manila and nearby areas. Meanwhile, the 7th Infantry Division, which covers Central Luzon and parts of the Ilocos region; the 2nd Infantry Division, which covers the Southern Tagalog region and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon; and the 8th Infantry Division, which covers Eastern Visayas, also placed their emergency response companies and disaster response units on standby amid the threat posed by Kristine. Source: Philippines News Agency
Wednesday, October 23, 2024