BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard in Surigao del Norte (PCG-Surigao del Norte) suspended all trips of sea vessels and watercraft within its area of jurisdiction on Monday following the tropical cyclone warning issued by the state weather bureau.
PCG-Surigao del Norte suspended the sea travels to the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) and in the towns of Siargao Island, particularly Burgos, Sta. Monica, San Isidro, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, Dapa, Gen. Luna, and Socorro.
In its latest forecast as of 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of Tropical Storm “Ursula” was estimated at 790 kilometers east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 870 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
Ursula was seen moving West Northwest at 30 kph with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph, the weather bureau added.
PAGASA said Ursula will affect Dinagat Islands and the province of Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island.
Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco T. Matugas has convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday in preparation for the onslaught of Ursula in the area.
PDRRMC Surigao del Norte Officer Engr. Marilyn Pono told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the previous instruction of Matugas to officials of the local government units (LGUs) in Siargao Island stays.
On Saturday last week, Matugas ordered the LGUs in the island to make the necessary preparations to safeguard the lives of the citizens in the area.
He also instructed the concerned agencies of the government, to include the Philippine National Police (PNP), to ready all the equipment necessary for possible pre-emptive evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas.
Pono assured that the provincial government has sufficient food supplies ready in Siargao Island if people will be evacuated to safer places.
“We are having a meeting right now for final preparations. Governor Matugas wants everything in place as Ursula will directly affect Siargao Island based on the latest advisory of PAGASA,” Pono added.
Meanwhile, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) of Surigao City was convened by Mayor Ernesto U. Matugas, Jr. on Monday.
In preparation for Ursula, Mayor Matugas has ordered all concerned agencies in the area to make the necessary preparations to secure the lives of the people in the city.
The CDRRMO in Butuan City was also convened on Monday presided by City Assistant Administrator Roy Serdeña and CDRRMO head Mark July Yap.
Yap has recommended that Butuan City shall remain under blue alert status to ensure the safety and security of communities especially those in coastal areas.
On the other hand, the final meeting and preparation of the PDRRMO in PDI is still ongoing as of press time.
PDI Information Officer Jeff Crisostomo said the provincial government will provide updates to the media when all the preparations are finalized by the PDRRMO. (PNA)
