Albay to face ‘complex disaster’ as ‘Ambo’ approaches

LEGASPI CITY –– Albay province will be facing a “complex disaster” situation with the threat of Tropical Depression “Ambo”  expected during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office and executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the province was expected to experience moderate to heavy rains that could trigger possible flooding and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Evacuation of residents may be implemented following protocols for COVID-19 and disaster.

Daep said selective evacuation would be enforced by establishing separate rooms for families with elderlies and children ages 19 and below, as well as an “isolation area” for people with health concerns.

The designated COVID-19 quarantine facilities would not be used as evacuation centers.

He said the PDRRMO would also advise other evacuees to stay with relatives.

Daep said that once the weather bureau raises the alert level to three, the evacuation begins.

An emergency meeting was also scheduled on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for Ambo.

LZB