NDRRMC closely monitoring Visayas, Mindanao

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos. LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced Tuesday close monitoring of several areas in Visayas and Mindanao in the wake of Tropical Storm “Ramon”.

NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said no less than 10,000 families living near the coast lines of Butuan would be affected once the Agusan River and Mainit Lake overflows.

After several flooding incidents in Regions 8 (Eastern Visayas), 11 (Davao) and Caraga, preemptive evacuations were carried out in the low-lying and mountainous northern and southern parts of Agusan and Surigao, Ramos said.

Meanwhile, Ramos reminded all government agencies to closely monitor weather updates and prepare necessary resources for possible rescue and relief operations in areas that could be affected by Ramon, especially those where storm signals have been raised.

According to the latest report of the NDRRMC, its member agencies such as the Department of Health (DoH), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), have set up disaster preparedness activities.

The report said the health department has prepared available medicines and pre-positioned medical response teams in close coordination with respective disaster response teams.

The coast guard has directed all its district commanders to take proactive steps in notifying, or recalling all fishermen who will insist in sailing. The report also said that the coast guard has been ordered to remind all shipping companies to strictly follow the Guidelines on Movement of Vessels during Heavy Weather and the Guidelines on Movements of Motorboats/Vessels in the Absence of Weather Bulletin in the Locality.

PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome has directed all regional offices to coordinate with corresponding DRRMCs and regularly submit situational reports for precautionary measures and other preparedness activities.

The report also said that the DPWH instructed all its district engineers to deploy maintenance point persons to areas prone to flooding and landslides. It also stated that the department was also instructed to prepare clearing equipment such as road grader, bulldozer, backhoe, payloader, and dumptrucks.

Ramos, clarified, however, that before the national government could intervene, protocols should be followed to give local government units a chance to take charge of their areas.

Ramos expressed fears that residents in provinces like Leyte, which is not used to having storm signals, would take the situation for granted.

He also reminded the public to cooperate with officials if the situation would require it.

“Mas madali mag-evacuate kaysa mag-rescue[It’s easier to evacuate than to rescue],” he said.