PH gov’t prepares for Tropical Depression Odette

MANILA, Philippines — The government is preparing for Tropical Depression Odette which may enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday evening.

Acting spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Monday assured the public that the “government is closely monitoring” the developments of the tropical cyclone.

“The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is already making the necessary preparations in coordination with the regional and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to ensure the safety of the public,” Nograles shared in a statement.

“The Department of Social Welfare and Development reports that as of Sunday, December 12, it has available stockpiles and standby funds earmarked for disaster response,” he added.

Nograles advised the public to likewise monitor the latest weather advisories and bulletins.

“We ask everyone, especially those residing in affected areas, to keep up to date with the latest weather advisories and bulletins, to take precautionary measures, and to cooperate with local authorities should there be a need for evacuation or other necessary actions,” he said.

Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) track and intensity forecast Monday morning, Odette will traverse the central part of the Philippines and may affect Visayas, large portions of Mindanao, and several provinces in Southern Luzon.

Pagasa added that Odette will intensify into a tropical storm and will enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday.

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