The Ilocos Norte provincial government is now bracing for La Niña, urging all local government units (LGUs) to brace for higher rainfall and the upcoming typhoon season.
“Let us make sure our waterways are clear, all equipment is available – – our generator sets, boats, and search and rescue. We have to be ready when the time comes,” Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said Thursday during a meeting with department heads at the Capitol.f
He directed concerned personnel of the local disaster risk reduction and management councils at the provincial and municipal levels to take a proactive role in minimizing the effect of typhoons as well as La Niña.
Based on the latest advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), La Niña conditions may develop from July to September, and it increases the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country, especially toward the end of the year.
It said monsoon breaks or breaks in rainfall may extend over a few days or weeks.
In anticipation of bad weather, Marcel Tabije, local disaster risk reduction and management officer of Ilocos Norte, said the province is leading an information dissemination drive in the city and municipal disaster risk reduction management offices regarding the onset of the rainy season.
“We have been constantly monitoring the weather and advised community officials to monitor the flood-prone and landslide-prone areas including those at-risk areas of storm surge,” he said.
As part of measures for disaster mitigation, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (PDRRMRC) keeps an inventory and conducts inspection of equipment such as ambulances, dump trucks, and rubber boats, including relief goods, food packs, and medical supplies that are needed in times of calamity.
It also ensures evacuation centers and its facilities are ready and available including the regular monitoring of the health and welfare of the vulnerable sector, which include elders and persons with disabilities who are living alone to ensure zero casualty. (Leilanie Adriano)
(Source: Philippine News Agency)