Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara on Tuesday issued an advisory that placed the province under a preparedness status for the adverse effects of Tropical Storm (TS) Dante.
He also ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents in flood, storm surge, lahar flow, and landslide-prone areas particularly in the eastern flank.
Anticipating heavy rains spawned by “Dante” that is expected to hover over Bicol provinces on Wednesday, the Albay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has directed its counterparts in the 15 towns and three cities to be on alert for possible adverse events in low-lying areas and mountain slopes.
Bichara, in an interview, said placing the province under Evacuation Status is a preemptive measure in preparation for the effects of the storm.
The preparedness measure includes a directive to all Municipal/City DRRMCs to review their contingency plans, particularly the towns of Manito, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Malinao, Tiwi and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco.
The advisory also imposed the “no sailing” policy on all seacraft to territorial coastal and inland waters.
The public, meanwhile, was urged to do early marketing of essential household commodities.
The local disaster councils were also ordered to submit periodic monitoring and activity report for possible support.
Bichara, in his directive, also said local disaster councils must see to it that the evacuation of the vulnerable populations must be completed before nightfall.
He ordered the suspension of work in both private and government offices, online and in-person classes, and mall operation on Wednesday until lifted, except for agencies which functions are related to public safety and disaster risk reduction.
Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, meanwhile, issued an advisory directing all barangays to mobilize their respective DRRM committees and task units to maximize preparedness actions down to the household level, especially for residents in low-lying, coastal and riverine areas as well as in places at risk to rain-induced landslide and lahar flow.
"Households and families in these critical areas should prepare their emergency kits with personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other needs for eventual localized pre-emptive evacuation to higher and safer areas that will be managed by their respective barangays," he said.
Rosal also said the city Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been activated and now placed under yellow alert status.
At least 403 individuals, eight buses, 81 trucks, 27 light vehicles, and seven vessels are now stranded in different ports in the region due to “Dante”, the Philippine Coast Guard said. (PNA)
