Camarines Sur on ‘red alert’ due to bad weather
LEGAZPI CITY — Hours before the state weather bureau changed the status of the weather disturbance from low-pressure area (LPA) to Tropical Depression on Wednesday, Camarines Sur province placed its emergency operations center on “red alert” status due to incessant rains and strong winds.
Gov. Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte said in a memorandum Tuesday that the emergency and incident management teams would be activated to ensure the preparedness and response measures of the province.
Disaster officials were tasked to monitor the weather disturbance closely and evaluate the need to evacuate communities in high-risk areas, particularly in flood and landslide-prone areas.
Villafuerte also ordered a “no-sailing” policy for small and large fishing vessels, while all recreational activities on coasts, lakes, and rivers were prohibited.
Local officials were advised to ensure that the evacuation centers were safe and structurally fit to withstand the strength of possible typhoons.
They were also reminded of the minimum health standards and evacuation protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA located “East of Eastern Visayas developed into Tropical Depression” and was now called “Paeng.”
In an advisory, Pagasa Southern Luzon also issued a gale warning in the Bicol region due to the northeast monsoon on Tuesday night.
Pagasa said rough to very rough waters were expected in the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, particularly in Camarines Norte, the northern coast of Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
Fishing boats and small seacrafts were advised not to venture out into the sea, while large vessels were alerted of big waves.
Pagasa said as of 9 a.m., moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds were being experienced over Naga City, Sipocot, Tinambac, Pili, Pasacao, Libmanan, Pamplona, and Minalabac in Camarines Sur, Matnog, Irosin, Bulusan, Bulan, Magallanes, and Pilar in Sorsogon, and Masbate.
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Responding to appeals for help, the Inquirer is extending its relief efforts to the families affected by Typhoon Paeng. Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No.: 007960018860 and through Maya
