Watch out for flash floods in low-lying areas, NDRRMC warns

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday warned residents in northern and central Luzon of possible flooding due to waters coming from the mountains.

Speaking to reporters, NDRRMC executive director Alexander Pama said the agency is “accounting” the huge volume of rain water spawned by Typhoon Lando.

Pama said some waters went to dams like the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque but that some may flow down to river systems, which may cause flooding in low-lying areas.

“Kaya paulit-ulit po nating sinasabi na hanggang ngayon ay binibigyan natin ng babala pa rin ‘yong ating mga kababayan na nakatira sa tabing ilog na posibleng magkaroon pa ng flash floods,” Pama said.

(This is why until now we repeatedly warn our countrymen who reside near rivers that flash floods are still possible.)

He said the NDRRMC and the Department of Interior and Local Government is in close coordination with local government units to monitor the situation on the ground.

Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento said that as early as Wednesday, October 15, the DILG has informed local leaders of the typhoon tracks including possible scenarios on flooding and storm surges.

Sarmiento said he personally called local leaders with the help of scientists from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to explain the massive effect of the typhoon.

The DILG chief said local leaders were cooperative and were prompt in evacuating their residents.

He said the DILG and the NDRRMC continue to monitor the situation on the ground as relief and rescue operations are ongoing.

As an overall assessment, Sarmiento said there is a “big improvement” in terms of government response during disasters. CDG

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