Ilocos Norte braces for Typhoon “Ompong”

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has advised residents of the province especially those staying in highly vulnerable areas in the northern towns to be ready for early evacuation, as Typhoon “Mangkhut” (local name “Ompong”) is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds over northern Luzon in the coming days.

“Mag-eearly evacuation tayo. Kinakausap natin yung ating mga mayor at NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) sa mga highly vulnerable areas, unang-una ‘yung northern towns. Siguradong tatamaan daw ‘yung northern towns… Siguro pag-usapan na kung ano dapat ang gagawin,” Marcos said in a press conference, Wednesday.

(We are preparing for an early evacuation. I have already talked to the mayors and the NDRRMC of the highly vulnerable areas in the northern towns)

Marcos also ordered the suspension of classes and work on Sept. 13-14, Thursday and Friday, to prepare for the impact of “Mangkhut.”

Marcos said the Ilocos Norte government has already positioned relief goods and is considering adding emergency supplies to last until Sunday.

In addition, blood and medical supplies such as bandages are also being positioned as well.

“Siyempre ang priority ay saving human lives, ikalawa syempre yung damage to infrastructure, at ikatlo yung ating livelihood na agriculture at iba’t iba pang tourist destination at yun yung inaabalahan natin at sana lahat ngayon pa lang ay maghanda na,” Marcos said.

(Priority is saving human lives. Second is damage to infrastructure. Third is agriculture and the various tourist destinations).

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), very strong winds, storm surges along coastal areas and heavy to intense rain is expected in Cagayan and Isabela by Friday and all over northern Luzon by Saturday as “Mangkhut” crosses over the Cagayan-Batanes area.

Typhoon “Mangkhut” which is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday afternoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 205 kph with gusts of up to 255 kph.  /muf