CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Preparations of local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon for the possible onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses have shifted into high gear to ensure the safety of residents.
Local officials in the region’s seven provinces -- Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales activated on Wednesday their respective disaster risk reduction and management councils for the weather disturbance that is expected to bring heavy to intense rains.
Although the effects of the typhoon have yet to be felt in most parts of the region, members of the disaster councils have been ordered to prepare for any eventuality that "Ulysses" might bring.
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.
The MDRRMCs in Baler and Dingalan, Aurora suspended work in all municipal offices effective noon on Wednesday except those involved in disaster risk reduction and management, delivery of basic and health services.
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 has ordered the prepositioning of personnel, rescue vehicles, and equipment, food packs, and medicines to areas at risk of flooding, landslides, and storm surges.
Pineda also issued an executive order declaring the suspension of classes and work in government offices in the whole province.
He advised people to stay alert and stay home in order to be safe.
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.
“Maging maagap na rin po ang ating mga mangingisda at hanggat maari ay iwasan na ang paglalayag ng mga bangka at maliliit na sasakyang pandagat. Hinihingi ko pong muli ang inyong kooperasyon lalo na kung magsasagawa ng maagang paglilikas sa inyong lugar (Our fishermen should also be proactive and avoid venturing into seas as much as possible. I ask for your cooperation again, especially if an early evacuation is taking place in your area),” Garcia said.
To ensure the safety of the teachers, parents, and students collecting/submitting school modules, he suspended classes in all levels, both public and private (modular, blended, and online) in the province.
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.
Likewise, Umali declared the suspension of work in all government and private offices effective at 12 noon on Wednesday.
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 Bulacan, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by Governor Daniel Fernando, ordered the deployment of emergency rescue teams along with flood-prone areas and prepare evacuation centers as well as relief goods and medicines.
He said teams have already been conducting public warning on areas prone to landslides and floods as well as in the coastal towns of Bulacan where storm surge could occur.
The governor also said that the PDRRMO is closely monitoring the situation at the three major dams in Bulacan namely Angat, Ipo and Bustos. (PNA)
