OCD: Alert status in Bicol raised to 'Red' due to TD Kristine

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday said that the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the Bicol Region has raised its alert level status to ''Red,'' placing the area under high risk protocol.

This was done in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Depression Kristine, which was spotted 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas on Monday, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour, according to PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin.

Claudio Yucot, director of the OCD for the Bicol Region and chairperson of the RDRRMC, already issued a memorandum directing all member agencies to implement the measures outlined in the ''Red'' or ''Charlie protocol.''

According to the OCD, the Charlie protocol signifies the highest state of emergency preparedness, which necessitates immediate action from both the RDRRMC and local DRRMCs to protect communities and ensure an effective and timely response amid the bad weather.

The OCD already tasked its regional offices to undertake preparedness measures for Kristine as its rainbands may bring moderate to heavy rains over the Bicol region, Samar provinces, and other areas beginning Tuesday.

“We hope that the vulnerable communities heed our call to make the necessary preparations for Kristine, our 11th tropical cyclone for this year. Please help us in our continued efforts to ensure your safety and survival at all times,'' OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a press release.

Weather bureau PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was hoisted over 15 areas as Kristine moved over the Philippine Sea on Monday morning.

PAGASA said Kristine may reach typhoon level by Thursday evening or Friday morning.

Classes in some areas were suspended in anticipation of the bad weather due to Kristine. —KG, GMA Integrated News