MANILA, Philippines – The disaster risk reduction briefing in Eastern Samar led by Interior Secretary Manual “Mar” Roxas II was marred by power outages on Saturday morning as the country prepares for the onslaught of typhoon “Ruby.”
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. FILE PHOTO
The briefing, which was aired live by television networks, was interrupted at least twice as electricity faltered.
The resource persons and officials, however, continued to give their respective reports amid the momentary darkness. The camera lamps or equipment used by television crews covering the event served as an alternative source of light during the power outages, which lasted for about a minute.
During the briefing, Roxas emphasized the need to prioritize Eastern Samar, especially those facing north, which are most likely to experience storm surges.
Roxas is currently in Borongan, Eastern Samar to directly facilitate government efforts in the area. Ruby is expected to make its first landfall in Borongan on Sunday morning.
Local officials said about 12,920 individuals have been evacuated in Borongan and are now staying in 33 evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, almost a thousand personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed in the province.
Ruby was spotted 220 kilometers East Northeast of Borongan as of 8 a.m. Saturday. It has maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and with gusts of up to 230 kph.
It continues to move Westward at 10 kph and is expected to reach Samar on Sunday morning, Romblon on Monday and Calapan City on Tuesday. Forecasts said it may leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday.
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