Marcos closely monitoring super typhoon, calls for public vigilance

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the country’s weather and has ordered a whole-of-government response as Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Super Typhoon Inday was located some 1,270 kilometers east of Northern Luzon and moving west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

READ: More areas in N. Luzon under Signal No. 1 as Inday enters PAR

“Aside from government agencies, President Marcos Jr. himself is also closely monitoring the weather and possible developments in the coming days. The President reminded the public to remain alert and stay vigilant,” Castro said in Filipino

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already conducted cleaning operations in drainage systems and waterways, particularly in areas heavily affected by garbage buildup, Castro said.

All 73 MMDA pumping stations have also been readied for the heavy rainfall expected from the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, which may be enhanced by the super typhoon.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pre-positioned 4.7 million family food packs nationwide.

“In Cagayan Valley alone, a total of 217,000 family food packs are already prepared in DSWD warehouses, 23,000 of which are located on Batanes Island,” said Castro.

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, has raised Code White Alert status to ensure the readiness of its units, while the DOH Health Emergency Response Team remains on standby.

“According to DOH data, a total of P36.6 million worth of medicines, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies have been pre-positioned in various locations,” Castro also said. /gsg