CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon on Saturday put on a 24-hour alert all their emergency responders as the region braces for the impact of Typhoon “Rolly.”
Although the effects of the typhoon have yet to be felt in the region, concerned members of the disaster councils have been ordered to prepare for the weather disturbance.
Local officials in the region’s seven provinces -- Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales-- also asked their constituents to take the necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
In Aurora, Governor Gerardo Noveras called on his constituents to be prepared especially those living in the low-lying areas, and coordinate with their respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office (MDRRMO).
“Siguraduhing may sapat na imbak na pagkain at mga kagamitan bilang paghahanda sa paparating na bagyo. Ihanda na rin po ating mga tahanan upang maging ligtas sa ating pamilya at sa lahat (Make sure there are adequate food and equipment in preparation for the incoming typhoon. Please also prepare our homes to be safe for our families and everyone),” Noveras said in a statement.
Residents are also advised not to swim and surf on the beaches as the typhoon continues to intensify its strength.
Fishermen are also temporarily banned from setting sail to ensure their safety.
In Pampanga, residents living near the rivers, low-lying as well as flood and landslide-prone areas are also advised to be on alert and ready.
Governor Dennis Pineda said rescue and emergency response teams are on standby as well as the pre-positioning of search-and-rescue equipment and personnel have been put in place.
“Malakas po ang bagyong ito, parang si Yolanda. Kaya maging alerto po tayo (This typhoon is strong, like Yolanda. So let's be alert). Stay home. Stay safe,” Pineda said on his social media account.
In Bataan, Governor Albert Garcia warned all Bataenos of the impending threat of the typhoon which is expected to bring strong rains in the province.
Garcia asked the residents to prepare for possible power outages.
“Charge all gadgets, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets for communication. Replace batteries on your flashlights and make sure to keep a spare for prolonged brownouts and your AM/ FM battery-operated radios may be your best source for news,” he said.
In Bulacan, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by Governor Daniel Fernando, designated the Bulacan capitol gymnasium and the Bulacan Sports Complex as evacuation centers for families who might be displaced by the typhoon.
Fernando ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to prepare an initial 20,000 food packs for immediate needs.
“Tayo po ay sama-samang manalangin ng mataimtim upang ipag-adya an gating lalawigan sa panganib ang pinsalang dulot ng Bagyong Rolly. Nananawagan din tayo ng panalangin sa lahat ng religious groups para sa ating sama-samang pagsamo sa ating Panginoon (Let us pray together earnestly to protect our province from the damage that might cause by Typhoon Rolly. We also ask for prayers in all religious groups for our collective supplication to our Lord),” he said.
In Tarlac, Governor Susan Yap has the PDRRMC has convened to implement preparedness measures on the effects of the typhoon in areas likely to be affected, and the pre-positioning of rescue assets.
Yap also said local government units (LGUs) in the province have prepared food supplies and disaster response equipment and teams in anticipation of evacuation and other emergencies.
In Nueva Ecija, the PDRRMC, headed by Governor Aurelio Umali, has conducted a pre-disaster risk assessment to closely monitor the situation and the residents living in risk-prone areas.
Umali said the PDRRMO as well as the LGUs in the province are now prepared to ensure the safety of the Novo Ecijanos. (PNA)
