Palace urges public to prepare, remain alert for ‘Ompong’
Malacañang on Wednesday urged the public to stay alert as Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) moves toward the northern part of the country.
“Pinapaalalahanan po namin ang publiko na maging alerto at ligtas sa paparating na bagyo (We are reminding the public to stay alert and safe because of the coming typhoon),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ompong entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
READ: ‘Ompong’ enters PH – Pagasa
Roque said concerned government agencies have already conducted pre-disaster risk assessment meeting to prepare for Ompong.
“Nakikipag-ugnayan na po ang gobyerno sa mga ahensyang may kinalaman sa disaster preparedness para sa kanilang mabilis na pagtugon sa mga maaaring maapektuhan ng bagyong Ompong (The government is coordinating with agencies involved in disaster preparedness so they can respond immediately to the needs of those who will be affected by Typhoon Ompong). As I speak, there is an ongoing pre-disaster risk assessment meeting now to ensure the orchestrated response of the government to Typhoon Mangkhut,” he said.
The Palace official advised the public to remain updated on developments regarding Ompong.
“Ngayon pa lamang po ay hinihikayat na po natin ang ating mga kababayan na umantabay sa mga ulat, balita, abiso at anunsyo mula sa mga estasyon ng gobyerno maging sa social media accounts ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan,” (We are enjoining everyone to stay tuned to announcements, news, alerts and reports,” he said. “Alamin ang evacuation plan sa inyong lugar (Know the evacuation plan in your areas).”
He also urged the citizens to prepeare their emergency kits.
“Huwag rin po nating kalimutang maghanda ng flashlight at radyo na may bagong baterya, sapat na pagkain, maiinom na tubig, gas, baterya, at first-aid supplies. Iwasan rin po natin ang mga mababang lugar, pampang, bangin at paanan ng burol at bundok (Let us not forget flashlights, radio, new batteries, enough food, drinking water, gas, and first-aid supplies),” he said.
“Sa ating mga kababayan po na wala namang gagawin sa labas ay mangyaring manatili na lamang po sa kani-kanilang mga bahay at huwag gumala para sa inyong kaligtasan (It is important to stay indoors to keep safe),” he added. /ee
