READY. The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office staff prepare its rescue equipment in this undated photo. The Ilocos Region has been under red alert status since 5 p.m. Monday (Sept. 16, 2024) due to Tropical Depression Gener. (Photo courtesy of Province of Pangasinan)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) remained on red alert even as Tropical Depression Gener is projected “to have limited intensification” during its forecast exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
PDRRMO Emergency Operations Center assistant director Pia Flores, in a phone interview on Tuesday, said there were no reported evacuees yet although intermittent strong rainfall and winds are being experienced in some parts of central Pangasinan as of posting time.
A red alert status was raised in the entire Ilocos Region at 5 p.m. on Monday.
“Meaning, the PDRRMO is now in full force while the active members of the Council are also on alert for possible deployment,” she said.
Based on the 5 p.m. bulletin of state weather bureau PAGASA, Gener is 235 kilometers west northwest of Baguio City and will continue westward over the West Philippine Sea until the next update at 11 p.m.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained hoisted over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the western portion of Pangasinan (Sual, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Infanta, Labrador, City of Alaminos, Bani, Bolinao, Anda, Agno).
“Gener is forecast to have limited intensification within the forecast period, although it may reach tropical storm category by tomorrow morning,” it said.
The provincial government suspended classes in all levels of public and private schools on Tuesday.
The PDRRMO continued to monitor the river systems, especially the Marusay River, which is above normal level and may cause flooding.
The provincial government of La Union likewise suspended classes in all levels and work in government offices, except for those in frontline and emergency services, on Tuesday.
The La Union PDRRMO said there were no reported evacuees and significant incidents as of Tuesday noon.
Ilocos Norte situation
In Ilocos Norte, disaster risk reduction and management officer Marcell Tabije reminded residents “to be vigilant for landslides and related incidents.”
He said evacuation areas for people and animals have been prepared and emergency assets such as dump trucks, rubber boats, and ambulances are on standby.
Village health workers also regularly monitor vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities who are living alone.
Ryan Rolaine Simon, San Nicolas’ disaster risk reduction and management officer, said residents must heed authorities’ advice regarding evacuation.
Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office Director Col. Frederick Obar likewise said in a media interview that the public must ensure the safety of their houses and belongings since burglars may take advantage of the situation.
The Currimao agriculture office advised fish ponds and fish cage operators to secure their stocks or harvest early in case of flash floods, while those with fishing boats must secure their units.
In case of damage to crops and livestock, insured farmers are advised to report immediately to the municipal agriculture office for appropriate action.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office reported at least 9,000 food packs have been prepositioned and ready for dispatch to affected families. (WPNA)
