DAVAO ORIENTAL – The members of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) have convened this afternoon for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) amid the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) that has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility earlier today.
PDRRMC Chairman Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has raised a “blue alert status” which requires the 24/7 monitoring of the weather disturbance by all members of the Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response Clusters at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
The PDRRMC’s counterparts in the municipalities have also been advised to activate their respective Incident Command System (ICS) to efficiently implement necessary preparations.
During the PDRA, which was presided by Vice Governor Niño Sotero Uy, the council members discussed the possible effects and preparation measures for the looming LPA which may develop into a Tropical Depression according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA).
PDRRMO Assistant Head Francis Jason Bendulo said that part of the preparations discussed is the prepositioning of food packs in all Operation Centers.
He added that they have been coordinating with private contractors whose assistance may possibly be tapped in the clearing roads in the event of landslides, augmenting the already deployed and prepositioned heavy equipment from the Provincial Engineering Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
He further said that all communication systems are up and running to efficiently coordinate interventions and response with all municipal DRRMOs and other response teams.
Troops from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, as well as rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection are also on standby ready to respond, especially in flood and landslide prone areas. Also, on standby at the Operation Center are members of the Incident Management Team and Rapid Deployment Team.
Troops were also deployed secure warehouses of the National Food Authority to ensure that stored goods are secured and available in case of emergency. Also, a team has also been deployed to closely monitor the water level at the Aragon Dam in Cateel town.
Meanwhile, as the PAGASA has issued gale warning, sea trips will be cancelled. The public is advised to cancel marine activities. Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
While the LPA is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains in some parts of Davao Oriental, a yellow warning level has been hoisted over the province. Based on a memorandum issued from the DILG, likely to be affected are rivers and tributaries particularly in Cateel; Dapnan, Baganga; Mahan-ub, Manorigao, Caraga; Casauman, Qunionoan, Bagwan, Mayo, Bitanatan, Sumlog, Tangmoan, Manay, Maya and Sumlao/Cuabo.
The PDRRMC advises people living near the mountains and slopes and in low-lying areas to be alert for possible flashfloods and landslides.
Residents, especially those living in areas at high risk of flooding and landslides are further advised to continue monitoring for updates, take precautionary measures, and coordinate with Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in case of evacuations. Photos by Rejee-Lou Fiel Mejia PDRRMC-OpCen
