Virac under ‘state of imminent danger’ due to ‘Nina’

VIRAC, Catanduanes – The town of Virac in Catanduanes province was placed under “state of imminent danger” Friday after tropical storm “Nina” (international name: Nock-ten) entered Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Virac Mayor Sammy Laynes authorized municipal officials to make cash advances for the purchase of goods to beef up stockpile of food packs from 1,000 to at least 2,000.

The province still has available 4,500 food packs for distribution in case the storm hits, according to provincial administrator Lemuel Surtida.

Equipment and crew from Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Engineering Office and Philippine Army are already on standby while the Philippine Red Cross has already tasked its emergency response teams.

Barangay captains were ordered to warn residents not to venture out of homes on Sunday.

Traditionally, many people from rural villages usually go to the town center to ask for gifts from homes on Christmas day. JE/rga