Albay disaster officials on alert as TD ‘Jolina’ affects Luzon, Visayas

Source: DOST / Pagasa

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay disaster officials and agencies were told to prepare for the possible effects of Tropical Depression Jolina, which the state weather bureau warned could affect the eastern flank of Luzon and Visayas within the next few days.

The Albay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday has raised its disaster preparedness status directing all local disaster councils to activate their respective operation centers as the province prepares for possible storm surges, floods and landslides on Wednesday, Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said in an advisory Monday.

Bichara directed all local disaster councils to be “on alert and to closely monitor their respective areas particularly those exposed to flood, lahar, flash flood and landslide.”

Coastal towns in the eastern flank of Albay affected by storm surges include villages in the towns of Manito, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay, Malinao, Tiwi and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco.

Bichara directed the police, coast guard, and village officials not to allow small to medium sea crafts to sail once bad weather condition prevails in the next two days.

Villagers living along river channels are advised to take all precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary river crossing due to possible river swelling and flashflood.

The state weather agency said Tropical Depression Jolina, as it intensifies and moves northwestward, is currently located 205 km East Southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 230 km East Northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h that may cause possible storm surge and enhancement of South West Monsoon.

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