CARAGA RDRRMC BRACES FOR TYPHOON ODETTE

Intense preparations are now being made by response agencies comprising the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) in Caraga Region as Typhoon Odette is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days and is even forecasted to intensify into a typhoon.

The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) said Sunday, December 12, that the potential Tropical Cyclone (TC) is expected to enter PAR by Tuesday evening, December 14, and may intensify into a typhoon before making landfall in the vicinity of Eastern Visayas or Caraga on the afternoon or evening of Thursday, December 16.

The Caraga RDRRMC has issued Advisory No. 1 wherein it has directed all response agencies and local government units to undertake the following preparedness actions in connection with the potential TC and other weather systems and associated hazards:

• Closely monitor Tropical Cyclone Bulletins, warning, and other advisories issued by DOSTPAGASA, DENR-MGB and other surveillance agencies. Cross validate the current situation with the Doppler radar images, satellite images, and other science-based monitoring and forecasting tools; • Conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) at the local level and undertake preparedness based on Operation LISTO; • Strengthen risk communication and localize the warning to communities within respective areas of responsibility; • Ensure adherence to the guidelines on COVID-19 Preparedness Measures for the anticipated rainy season; • Submit regular Situation Report, as needed, highlighting the current situation, preparedness measures, summary of damages and response needs, to the RDRRM Operations Center; and • All travelers are advised to lessen/limit land and sea travels to and from Caraga region to avoid congestion in all points of entries coming in and going out of the region.

Further, DOST-PAGASA Butuan has also been advised to review their respective areas of responsibility (AORs) , specifically their history with disasters. of flooding and landslides. History may repeat itself especially now that a tropical cyclone is approaching. Refer to the list of barangays susceptible to floods and landslides,” Ver Lance Galanida, chief of the DOSTPAGASA Butuan, said in an update.

“Refer to your documented scenarios of previous tropical cyclones affecting your AOR. Identify the affected areas. Those affected areas may also be affected this time around,” he added.

Galanida also emphasized the need to monitor the soil moisture content in their AORs especially since rainfall in the region has been above normal for the past months. Flooding is more likely to happen due to surface runoff, he said.

Hazards to be expected are strong winds, storm surges, landslides, and flooding. The impact of Odette in Caraga is expected to begin on Wednesday, December 15, in the afternoon or evening. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)