FLOODING. A flooded street in Baybay City, Leyte in this April 10, 2022 photo. Several local government units in Eastern Visayas have suspended work and classes on Monday as Tropical Depression Agaton dumped heavy rains in the region. (Photo courtesy of Discover Baybay City)
MANILA – Even if "Agaton" (international name Megi) has weakened into a tropical depression on Monday morning, Malacañang reminded residents in affected areas to continue taking precautionary measures.
“Muli kaming nananawagan sa publiko, lalo na sa mga lugar na naapektuhan ng bagyo, na magsagawa ng kinakailangan precautionary measures. Magbasa at manuod ng pinakabagong weather advisories at bulletins (We once again call on the public, especially in the areas affected by the storm, to take the necessary precautionary measures. Read and watch the latest weather advisories and bulletins),” acting presidential spokesperson Sec. Martin Andanar said in a press statement.
Andanar, also secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), also enjoined the public to coordinate with officials and agencies for possible rescue operations.
He assured that the executive branch is closely monitoring the track of the tropical depression as well as agencies’ efforts to respond to the weather disturbance.
“Government’s hands are on deck to assist affected residents,” Andanar said.
READ: Work, classes suspended in Region 8 due to 'Agaton'
Currently, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is coordinating with the disaster councils of affected areas to support relief activities.
As of 8 a.m. Monday, there are 201 affected barangays with 3,717 displaced families inside 71 evacuation centers in Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 10, Region 11, Region 12, Caraga and BARMM.
A total of 15 cities/municipalities experienced power interruption/shortage. Of which, power supply in four cities/municipalities was already restored.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Agaton was last located over the coastal waters of Tanauan, Leyte.
"Agaton" now packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 75 kph. It is slowly moving north northwest.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was lifted in areas where it was earlier in effect.
TCWS No. 1 has been hoisted over the southern portion of Masbate (Dimasalang, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, Cawayan); Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, the northeastern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan) including Camotes Island, and the eastern portion of Bohol (Getafe, Talibon, Bien Unido, Trinidad, Ubay, San Miguel, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Mabini); Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.
In a Laging Handa briefing, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said the agency has sufficient resources to respond to "Agaton" as another weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility Tuesday.
"We have been preparing for this weather disturbance since last week. Kaya po ang ating mga (this is why our) supplies, personnel, equipment, ay (are) ready for deployment na, especially those coming from the national government, puwede pong i-deploy 'yan kung kailanganin ng support ng ating mga LGUs (these can be deployed immediately if our LGUs need support) for emergency management on ground," he said. (With a report from Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
