The province of Davao Oriental is preparing for the anticipated hazards due to Tropical Cyclone ‘Odette.’
Based on an advisory from the DOST-PAGASA, localities situated in the eastern portions of Visayas and Mindanao may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as tonight or tomorrow early morning.
While Odette is expected to make landfall by Thursday, December 16, in Eastern Visayas or in the Caraga region of Mindanao, the province of Davao Oriental will be classified into medium risk. It will be placed under “Bravo Protocol.”
Under Bravo Protocol, LGUs are expected to send warnings and advisories, cascade preparedness directives, preemptively evacuate, activate selected response clusters, preposition resources, provide advanced augmentation of resources, among other interventions.
Based on the Risk Assessment of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Board of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR), the possible hazards in the regions include exposure to strong wind, susceptibility to flooding, and landslide, especially in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Davao De Oro.
In line with this, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council members have met earlier today, December 14, for the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment.
Discussed during the emergency meeting are the preparedness and response measures. The council agreed to ready all available equipment and manpower in various areas, especially in Gulf towns and coastal communities.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have expressed their commitment through augmentation of personnel and equipment.
To ensure the safety of the front liners and the vaccines, the upcoming simultaneous National Vaccination Days slated on December 15-17 has been moved to December 20-22 in reference to the National Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center’s Advisory No. 119. Furthermore, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) also committed to preparing enough bed capacity to cater to patients in case of emergencies.
The Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) ensured to assign crew to closely and constantly monitor the areas. DORECO appealed to the public to report incidents that will potentially affect electricity.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already prepared stockpiles of food packs and other essential kits.
Meanwhile, as a precaution, the fisherfolks are prohibited from fishing activities. Communities near bodies of water and landslide-prone areas are advised to take extra precautions.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang ordered the active coordination between agencies and the different LGUs as is it is a crucial necessity to avoid damages and casualties. By Mark Alvite
