MANILA, Philippines – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is on red alert in preparation for Tropical Depression Paeng and the other natural calamities that hit the country.
According to NDRRMC spokesperson Bernardo Alejandro, Paeng is forecast to hit areas in northern Luzon, which was recently ravaged by Tropical Depressions Maymay and Obet, as well as by Typhoon Neneng.
Alejandro said that the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck Abra in northern Luzon on Tuesday night was also a contributing factor in the declaration of the red alert status.
“Naka red alert na tayo for Paeng. So by tomorrow, most of our regional offices, or the regional DRRMCs will be on red alert starting tomorrow kasi the typhoon or the [tropical depression], mararanasan na ang epekto nito starting Friday,” Alejandro said Wednesday.
(We are on red alert for Paeng. So by tomorrow, most of our regional offices or the regional DRRMCs will be on red alert starting tomorrow because the typhoon or tropical depression will be felt by Friday).
READ: LPA off Eastern Visayas intensifies into Tropical Depression Paeng; expect heavy rain
According to Alejandro, the NDRRMC is currently assisting local government units (LGUs) in assessing damaged houses and infrastructure after the earthquake. The agency is also preparing shelter kits to bring to Ilocos and Abra.
For Paeng, the NDRRMC is coordinating with LGUs regarding disaster response protocols, and the agency is also preparing relief goods to be deployed after the tropical depression passes, said Alejandro.
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