Party-list assures Bicol residents: Relief goods prepositioned for TD Amang

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list group has assured residents of the Bicol Region that relief goods have been prepositioned in anticipation of Tropical Depression Amang’s effect in the area.

Aside from that, Ako Bicol party-list said on Wednesday that volunteers have been placed on standby to assist residents as Amang is expected to greatly affect the Bicol Region.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Amang made landfall on Tuesday night over Panganiban, Catanduanes.  It has slightly weakened since making landfall, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

“We have coordinated with local authorities and have prepositioned relief goods in strategic locations to ensure that we can immediately provide assistance to those who will be affected by the storm,” Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said in a statement.

“Our volunteers are also ready to help in any way possible,” he added.

Despite the cyclone not being a strong one, Co urged residents in Bicol to take the necessary precautions — like monitoring government agencies’ announcements and deciding whether there is a need to evacuate due to possible floods or landslides.

“The safety and well-being of the Bicolanos, especially during times of calamities like this, are our top priority,” he said.

As of Pagasa’s 8:00 a.m. bulletin, a huge part of Bicol Region is still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1:

• Bicol Region: Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Ticao Island, Burias Island
• Calabarzon: eastern portion of Laguna (San Pablo City, Rizal, Nagcarlan, Pila, Liliw, Magdalena, Majayjay, Luisiana, Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Santa Cruz, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Santa Maria, Mabitac), Quezon, and the eastern portion of Rizal (Tanay, Pililla, Jala-Jala)
• Central Luzon: Aurora

While winds under Signal No. 1 carry a minimal threat to life and property, Pagasa also noted that the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Quezon could expect heavy rainfall ranging from 50 millimeters (mm) to 100mm in the next 24 hours.

READ: Pagasa: TD Amang to weaken into LPA by Wednesday night or Thursday morning

Several classes have also been suspended due to the threat of TD Amang.

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