Marcos orders creation of storm surge risk map for typhoon-prone areas

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on board a chopper to conduct an aerial inspection of storm-affected areas in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna, in this file photo taken in October 2024 following the devastation of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Also covers the inspection are areas in Pasig in the National Capital Region, Laurel, Lipa, Lemery, Nasugbu in Batangas, and Noveleta in Cavite. Marcos orders government agencies to generate a map that can identify areas prone to storm surge so an early warning can be issued by local governments. Photo from the Presidential Communications Office FB page

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to generate a map to identify areas at risk of storm surge during typhoons.

During a situation briefing with various government agencies on Typhoon Pepito on Friday, Marcos recalled the devastation and loss of lives caused by storm surge during Super Typhoon Yolanda.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Pepito

“So can we generate the map as soon as possible so that we can allow the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] to warn those areas that there is a storm surge coming,” Marcos said. 

He also noted that one critical element of storm surge is the elevation above the high water mark.

This means that, for example, if a three-meter storm surge is expected to hit an area, the people must be evacuated to a location at least five meters high.

The state weather bureau hoisted a storm surge warning early Friday for over eight provinces in Luzon and Visayas due to Pepito. 

READ: Pagasa issues upgraded rainfall warning as Pepito approaches Luzon

Its 2 a.m. advisory said that “a MODERATE to HIGH risk of storm surge may occur within the next 48 hours.

Furthermore, Pagasa warned that all marine activities were prohibited and that residents living in low-lying coastal areas should stay away from any coast or beach.