NDRRMC goes on red alert Tuesday for South Korea rocket launch

Philippine disaster management officials are on red alert starting Tuesday for the possible launch by South Korea of a rocket that will send a satellite in orbit. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the alert involves a ban on sailing, flying and fishing in the areas the rocket may pass over. "Concerned agencies will activate their respective disaster operation centers under Red Alert status from 29 January 2013 until further notice," outgoing NDRRMC head Benito Ramos said. He added the "No Sail Zone, No Fly Zone, No Fishing Zone Policy" will be effective starting Tuesday. Ramos based his advisory on information from the Department of Foreign Affairs which said Korea's third Science and Technology Satellite 2 will be launched aboard Korea Space Launch Vehicle 1. The date of the launch is between Jan. 30 and Feb. 8 at the Naro Space Center in Goheung in Jeollanam-do, he added. The NDRRMC indicated the debris may fall over the area east of the Philippines, and that the "danger period" is between 3 to 7 p.m. Manila time. Earlier, South Korea said it would again attempt to put a satellite in orbit on Jan. 30. The launch was twice postponed last year. — DVM, GMA News