Dam operators alerted; Edca sites readied 

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine

San Roque Dam in Pangasinan —Willie Lomibao/File photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Wednesday ordered dam operators in Luzon to release water slowly to prevent overflows in case heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Kristine persist.

Noting that the weather disturbance was still in its early stages, Marcos stressed the need to prepare for the massive rainfall volume Kristine might bring.

Kristine is expected to make landfall in Isabela province on Thursday morning at the latest.

READ: Kristine makes landfall; Intense rains expected in 9 provinces

“What we can do is a measured response. Even if it’s not yet at a high level, we should discharge a little water. Let’s lower the water level in a way that the downstream communities won’t be too affected. We should release water now so that when the stronger rains come, we will have a little breathing room for our dams,” the President said.

Edca sites readied

“From what we are looking at, it really looks like this storm is more about flooding. There’s a bit of wind but it’s not to the extent of the other supertyphoons that we have seen so far,” the President said at a briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Magat, Binga, and San Roque dams have started the gradual release of water from their reservoirs.

The government will also “make full use” of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) to bring aid to areas badly hit by Kristine.

President Marcos said some of the nine Edca sites were prepared for relief operations in anticipation of aid from the United States and other countries.

These are the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa and the Balabac Island facility in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Benito Abuen Air Base in Cebu, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, and Lal-lo Airport and the Camilo Osias Naval Base in Cagayan.

Help from allies

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military was preparing most of its aircraft for the transport of aid, equipment, and personnel to Kristine-hit areas.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he had talked to Singapore Ambassador to Manila Constance See to “marshal their capabilities for airlift and other manpower assistance that they can pitch in.”

“We have to establish first the protocols before the actual deployment of military assets. We will talk to our traditional partners in the next few days in anticipation of airlift needs and other rescue needs. We are reaching out to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as the closest neighbors, in addition to the partner nations,” Teodoro told the President.

At least 598 evacuation centers have been identified in Metro Manila for families to be displaced by Kristine.

Meanwhile, the National Food Authority said it was preparing 4.3 million sacks of rice for distribution as part of the relief efforts.

Stranded passengers

Also at the NDRRMC briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista reported that 5,329 passengers and 994 vehicles were stranded in various ports as of Thursday due to the suspension of sea travel.

Told that some port employees drew from their own pockets to buy food for the stranded passengers, the President said there must be a “more systematic way” of taking care of travelers during such situations.

“We cannot keep resorting to ad hoc solutions. The government should have a more systematic way of looking after them,” he stressed.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said his agency prepared hot meals at the Matnog Port for stranded passengers.

He said the Department of Science and Technology was also about to introduce its boxed “ready-to-eat” meals and that these provisions would be prepositioned in the various ports. —with reports from Jordeene B. Lagare and Frances Mangosing

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan