LGU execs in Visayas, S. Luzon told to gear up for ‘Chedeng’

BE READY for “Maysak.”

That was the urgent message of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas Tuesday to local government officials of Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon provinces as the typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday.

“Maysak,” which will be locally called as “Chedeng” once it enters PAR, packs sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 210 kph. It was last seen 1,820 east of Northern Mindanao.

The state weather bureau said it is expected to enter PAR on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

It is forecast to bring rains and gusty winds in Central and Eastern Visayas, Southern Luzon and Bicol Region provinces on Saturday and Sunday.

Roxas, in an emailed statement, called on provincial governors and mayors of cities and municipalities to stand guard for “Maysak” by preparing their respective local government units for the typhoon.

Roxas currently sits as vice chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as DILG Secretary.

“Ang mga mayor ang first responders. They should man the command centers in their respective localities,” Roxas said.

“Malayo pa lang ang bagyo, ready at listo na dapat tayo sa posibleng hagupit nito,” he added.

He said the DILG would also coordinate with public safety cluster composed of both the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection to prepare for the typhoon. AC