PREPAREDNESS. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of La Union convenes on Friday (May 26, 2023) for disaster preparedness planning for then-incoming Super Typhoon Betty. The province is under a red alert status while Betty has been downgraded to typhoon. (Photo courtesy of Province of La Union Facebook)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The provincial government of La Union, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), has raised its alert status to red in preparation for the possible effect of Typhoon Betty.
In a phone interview on Monday, PDRRMO warning and communication staff Pau Navarro said with the red alert status declared Sunday, all resources and personnel are capacitated at 100 percent.
“Our resources are ready. Some of the local government units (LGUs) have declared suspension of classes and work while some tourist destinations have closed temporarily and we leave it to the discretion of the LGUs regarding declaration in their localities,” she said.
Among the LGUs that declared suspension of classes in elementary and high school until Tuesday were Luna and Sudipen towns.
Sudipen also suspended work in government offices, except those involved in disaster preparedness.
The municipality of Agoo has reiterated its liquor ban during the onset of typhoons, floods, torrents, and other natural calamities; while Balaoan and San Gabriel temporarily closed Immuki Island and Tangadan Falls, respectively, since the weekend
Navarro said some areas in the province experienced rains but others experienced just cloudy skies on Monday.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David urged residents to stay alert, cooperate, and follow the instructions of authorities to ensure their safety.
The PDRRRMO has issued directives on the dissemination of warnings and advisories, evacuation of residents in high-risk areas, activation of local Emergency Operations Centers, and mobilization of rapid deployment teams to strategic locations.
Some LGUs implemented road closures and and issued travel advisories as part of their preparation efforts and were assured by the provincial government of emergency backups. (PNA)
