PNP deploys cops to aid preemptive evacuations as TD Ada looms

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed personnel to help in preemptive evacuations in areas projected to be affected by Tropical Depression Ada as the cyclone continued to loom over the eastern portion of the country.

“Our disaster response protocols have already been activated in areas that would be directly affected by this weather disturbance,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a statement on Thursday. “Search and rescue assets have been prepared in case they are needed.”

“I have already ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of our personnel to assist in preemptive evacuation, especially in areas near the Mayon Volcano to protect the residents from possible lahar flow,” he added.

READ: Pagasa: Signal no. 1 up in 11 areas as TD Ada slightly intensifies

Ada was last seen 420 kilometers (km) east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its 11 a.m. cyclone update.

The tropical depression was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 70 kph while moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.

Ada was forecast to make a close approach to Catanduanes by either Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

The cyclone comes days after the Mayon Volcano in the nearby province of Albay was placed under Alert Level 3 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology due to increased volcanic activity and a potential eruption within the coming days or weeks. /das