Still reeling from Kristine, Albay braces for future storms

The Albay provincial government is preparing for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-Rey), even as the province is still recovering from the impact caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

According to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), they are now preparing for possible storms that may hit the country in the aftermath of Kristine that caused an estimated P1.3-billion worth of damages to infrastructure.

“Nasa recovery na tayo, so pinaghahandaan na rin natin ang mga susunod pang mga sitwasyon. (We are now in recovery, so we are also preparing for the coming situations),” APSEMO chief engineer Dante Baclao said in a report by Chino Gaston on GMA’s 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday.

This comes as Leon has slightly intensified over the Philippine Sea, and may continue to influence the Southwesterly Windflow triggered by the storm. This may then affect the Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon.

Among the major infrastructure projects damaged in Albay is the Pio Duran Road, which was reduced in half due to landslides. Only one line is currently passable, and dangerous to travel on due to the deep ravine.

The towns of Oas, Polanggui, and Libon still have floods, while Pio Duran has yet to have its power restored.

The provincial government earlier on Sunday met to discuss how to distribute the P50-million assistance given by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and prepare should the area be hit by Leon.

Also among the assistance for the province are relief goods that arrived via the C-130 aircraft of the Singapore Air Force at the Daraga International Airport earlier on Sunday, set to be given to 12,000 families still in evacuation centers.

Four trucks carrying rice from the National Food Authority and the Food Terminal Inc. also arrived on Sunday, which will cater to those affected in Naga.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), food remains the top need of those hit by the storm.

“Ang pinaka-basic need ng Albayanos po na affected ng Typhoon Kristine, ‘yung pagkain. Preferably ready to eat, although pwede din naman po ‘yung mga food packs, and water,” PSWDO chief Maria Vivien Cea said.

(The most basic need of Albayanos affected by Typhoon Kristine is food. Preferably ready to eat, although food packs are also welcome, and water.) —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News