Albay placed under ‘response status’ as ‘Butchoy’ brings rains
LEGAZPI CITY –– Albay province was placed under disaster “response status” Thursday as the low-pressure area (LPA) “Butchoy” is expected to spawn moderate to heavy rains over the province, possibly triggering flooding, mudflows, and lahar in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.
Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chair, on Thursday issued an advisory ordering municipal and city disaster offices to initiate measures and closely monitor the weather disturbance for “appropriate and timely action for disaster avoidance.”
He directed all local disaster councils to be ready for evacuation in areas identified to be prone to flood and landslide once the LPA intensifies.
Local disaster councils were advised to execute evacuation procedures once the weather disturbance worsens, and strictly observe COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols in evacuation centers.
The barangay disaster councils were also ordered to control the movement of villagers and warned residents living near river channels to closely monitor and avoid crossing swelling rivers.
