PH braces for Tropical Depression Kristine

National government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in Northern Luzon have started preparations for Tropical Depression Kristine, according to officials on Monday.

Officials from Batanes and Ilocos Norte, which are still recovering from the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Julian, lamented the possible further damage on their provinces from the expected impact of Kristine.

“Magmi-meeting pa lang po kami ngayong araw para sa preparasyon,” Batanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Roldan Esdicul told Dobol B TV in an interview.

(We will just have a meeting today for preparation.)

“Bagamat hindi pa namin sigurado yung tatahakin ng Bagyong Kristine, magpi-pre-disaster risk assessment kami ngayong araw na ito. Para at least malaman namin kung saan pa kami puwedeng gumalaw lalo na dito sa rehabilitation program namin sa kasalukuyang nangyayari.” he added.

(Although we are not yet sure of the path that Typhoon Kristine will take, we will conduct a pre-disaster risk assessment today. So that we can at least know where else we can work on especially in our rehabilitation program.)

Ilocos Norte PDRRMO officer Engr. Randy Nicolas said their local government is also preparing for Kristine amid the repairs for the damage caused by Julian.

According to him, early evacuation is one of their priorities.

“Yun yung isa mga priority namin kapag mga ganitong sakuna na kapag mayroon nang forecasted track ay sinisigurado namin na na-preempt na yung mga mga kababayan natin na puwede ilikas the soonest bago pa man dumating yung bagyo,” Nicolas told Dobol B TV in a separate interview.

(That is one of our priorities when disasters like this happen. When there is a forecasted track, we make sure that our concerned constituents are preemptively evacuated even before the typhoon arrives.)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday advised the public to take early precautions in light of Kristine, which is expected to develop into a typhoon and affect over a million people.

“Let us engage in proactive planning and stay informed with relevant updates to ensure we are adequately prepared. We are collaborating closely with all concerned agencies to establish a comprehensive and cohesive action plan,” he said in a statement issued by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

According to the OCD, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported that some 5,688 barangays are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions that will be affected by Kristine.’

“We urge vulnerable communities to heed our call and make the necessary preparations for Kristine, our 11th tropical cyclone this year. Your cooperation is essential to our ongoing efforts to ensure your safety and well-being,” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Amid the preparation for Kristine, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan PCG meanwhile ordered all Coast Guard operating units to be on heightened alert from October 31 until November 5 for the upcoming Undas.

Coast Guard districts, stations, and sub-stations shall intensify the safety, security, reliability, and comfort of the riding public during the period.

DOTr Malasakit Help Desk with medical teams will be set up in all ports, harbors, and other public transport areas nationwide to assist passengers.

For safety and security, Coast Guard K9 units and security teams will conduct inspections.

Coast Guard rescuers and lifeguards will also be stationed in beaches, island resorts, and other coastal vacation spots to uphold public safety, according to the PCG. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News