Track of Typhoon Kiko (Courtesy of PAGASA)
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday called on the public, especially those who will be affected by Typhoon Kiko (international name Chanthu) and Tropical Storm Jolina (international name Conson), to stay vigilant and coordinate with local governments.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the call, as he ensured that the Palace is closely monitoring the developments of the operations for “Jolina” and preparations for “Kiko”.
“We ask the public to continue to remain alert and vigilant, take precautionary measures, observe minimum public health standards, and cooperate with their respective local authorities in case of an evacuation,” Roque said in a press statement.
Roque guaranteed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has more than PHP480 million in funds and over 12,000 food packs as the country braced for the two weather disturbances.
“The DSWD has PHP442.9-M Quick Response Fund at its Central Office; PHP11.2M available at its Field Offices in Mimaropa, Region 5 (Bicol), Region 6 (Western Visayas) and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and PHP32.5M in other DSWD Field Offices which may support the relief needs of displaced families. In addition, there are 12,535 Family Food Packs available in Disaster Response Centers,” he said.
Citing the report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Roque said restoration of power and communication lines and clearing of roads are ongoing in affected areas.
Around 2,045 families or 7,602 persons remain in 131 evacuation centers, Roque said, based on the data released by the DSWD.
“Jolina” continues to affect the country as it moves westward over the West Philippine Sea, according to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday.
It was last spotted 240 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, packing a maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
“Jolina” is expected to bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains in Palawan, Western Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula in the next 24 hours.
Moderate to strong winds associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon may also be experienced over the western section of Luzon, PAGASA said.
“Kiko” was last seen 670 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora. It packs maximum winds of up to 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela), and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan) due to Typhoon Kiko. (PNA)
