Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) hereby advise the public and local government units to be on alert about the possible impact of the tropical storm “Mekkhala” that is currently estimated to be at 950 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The storm has already entered the PAR this morning and is now being named or called “Amang”. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 19 kph.
Amang will be at 640 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar by tomorrow morning. According to PAGASA the storm is estimated to bring rain of 7.5 to 20.0 mm/hr. (heavy-intense) within the 300 km diameter of the tropical storm. Sea travel is risky over seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, eastern seaboard of southern Luzon and of Eastern Visayas.
As of now cloudy skies with light to moderate rains with possible occurrence of thunderstorms are expected over Visayas and Mindanao.
LGUs told:
In order to be proactive, local governments are reminded to take precautionary measures against flashfloods and landslide and to immediately activate their respective local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.
Meanwhile, to make the travel of our pilgrims to Tacloban City safer, the following should be observed as we welcome Pope Francis:
For those travellingby land, you may approach the Travel Assistance Centers that shall be established by local governments along the roadside. Heavy equipments from the LGUs and DPWH are also being mobilized to ensure safe and unhampered travel of everyone.
For those travelling by sea, especially those needing to go through the ports of San Isidro and Allen in Northern Samar, Ormoc City, Bato, Hilongos, and Matalom in Leyte; Liloan in Southern Leyte, Naval, Biliran and elsewhere, please keep updated with, and follow pronouncements on gale warnings from PAGASA and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Do’s
· Bringing of food, medicine, personal hygiene kit and other personal belongings in a transparent bag or plastic.
· Wearing of hats, bullcaps or transparent raincoats instead of umbrellas
· Bring valid IDs
· Bring medical history data for illness if there are any
Don’ts
· Don’t bring deadly weapons and sharp objects
· Intoxicating liquor and dangerous drugs
· Smoking in all areas of engagement
· Bags or backpacks and umbrellas
· Don’t stay in the upper floors of buildings along the papal route
· Don’t bring your pets
· Crossing the street once the motorcade has started
Keep yourselves informed, and follow the directives of our law enforcement and disaster risk reduction agencies.
Safety is everyone’s concern.
Maging #Listo ngayong panahon ng bagyo!
Mag-ingat, maghanda at maging listo.
Approved for Release: PEDRO A. NOVAL JR., Regional Director DILG-8
Prepared by: MYLES JOSEPH E. COLASITO, LGOO V / RIO-designate
