Mindful that people may be distracted by the holiday season, the Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded local government units to initiate Operation Listo protocols in view of the approaching Tropical Storm Ursula (International name: Phanfone) that is expected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas on the day before Christmas or on the day itself.
“Governors, Mayors and Punong Barangays have to be in their areas of responsibility and should start actions pursuant to Listong Pamahalaang Lokal such as convening the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), activating the Operations Center, prepositioning relief and response, informing residents, preparing evacuation centers and holding preemptive evacuations, especially in hazard-prone areas,” said Regional Director Artemio B. Caneja. He added, “Make sure that the families remain safe and whole during and after Christmas”.
PAGASA in its December 23, 2019 11:00 AM forecast, said that the center of Tropical Storm “URSULA” was estimated at 790 km East Northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 870 km East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (09.7 °N, 133.4 °E ) with maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour (KPH) and gustiness of 80 KPH.
“URSULA” is forecast to gradually intensify to at most Severe Tropical Storm category prior to landfall over Eastern Visayas tomorrow (24 December) afternoon or evening. Between tomorrow and Wednesday (25 December) morning: moderate to heavy rains are expected over Dinagat Islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and the northern portions of Cebu and Negros Occidental.
“Ursula” is moving west northwest at 30 KPH and is expected by 11:00 AM December 24, 2019 to be at 260 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar(10.7°N, 128.1°E) and on December 25, 2019 11:00 AM at 45 km West Northwest of Roxas City, Capiz(11.8°N, 122.4°E)
Strong winds associated with this Tropical Storm may begin to affect Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao tomorrow morning; southern portion of Bicol Region and some portions of Central Visayas tomorrow afternoon. This may bring light damage to medium to high-risk structures.
Residents in these areas are advised to take appropriate measures to reduce the potential impact of flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas identified to be highly to very highly susceptible to these hazards.
On the other hand, Regional Director Caneja called on DILG Field Officers to assist Local Chief Executives and report LGU actions following the required office procedures.
Prepared by:
MYLES JOSEPH E. COLASITO, LGOO V
Approved:
ARTEMIO B. CANEJA, CESO V, Regional Director
