Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC
MANILA, Philippines – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday warned the public to brace for potentially devastating Typhoon Kammuri.
The typhoon, to be known locally as Tisoy, is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) between Saturday and Sunday.
The state weather bureau has warned that Kammuri may intensify into a supertyphoon.
Continuous heavy rains may affect Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Bicol region, Calabarzon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Samar on Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec. 3 and 4), the NDRRMC said.
Frequent heavy rains are also expected in Northern Luzon when the typhoon interacts with the tail-end of a cold front.
Flood, landslide warning
The NDRRMC said flashfloods and landslides are possible in the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa.
Magat Dam in Isabela may also release water from its shed and cause flooding in certain areas depending on the amount of rainfall, the NDRRMC added.
Residents of these areas have been advised closely to monitor tension cracks, fractured rocks and sediments, sliding slope and active slides, and soil overburden which are common signs of impending landslides.
Those living in low-lying areas or near riverbanks should exercise caution and monitor the river’s water level as the heavy rains may cause riverbank erosion, a shift of river flow direction, debris flow and artificial damming.
Preparedness
The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have been placed on alert for possible evacuation of displaced residents.
“We cannot leave this storm to chance. Let us strengthen all preparedness efforts at the national, regional and local government levels. We also advise affected residents to expect possible pre-emptive evacuations and take precautionary measures,” said Office of Civil Defense and NDRRMC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad.
The NDRRMC said ‘Kammuri’ has a similar track to previous deadly typhoons in the Philippines: Reming in 2006, which killed 734 people and Glenda in 2014, which resulted in the deaths of 106 people and damaged P38.6 billion worth of properties, crops and infrastructure.
“Let us learn from our history of past typhoons and become more cooperative and become more cooperative and prepared,” Jalad appealed.
