File photo by Jun Jaso/Pampanga PIO
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- Members of the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) is on full alert for Typhoon “Pepito” which is expected to hit Central Luzon tonight based on the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In the wake of COVID19 pandemic, a virtual Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) was conducted on Monday, October 19, to prepare the members of council for the possible onslaught of the storm.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda said that precautionary measures and disaster response are already in place for the possible impact of the weather disturbance.
Based on the severe weather bulletin # 7 released by PAG-ASA, typhoon Pepito packs maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.
The weather bulletin disclosed that the tropical depression will continue to move west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Central Luzon tonight, October 20.
Angelina Blanco, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, said that the council has already prepositioned all disaster equipment and mobility for augmentation of potential search and rescue operations.
Stockpiled food and non-food items including medical supplies are also sufficient. Furthermore, provincial evacuation centers, manned 24/7, were also activated for possible pre-emptive evacuation measures.
“Everyday naka activate ang command and control center natin sa PEO Compound especially now na ginagamit rin natin siya for Covid-19. So ngayon 24/ 7 tayo nakamonitor sa mga areas which are highly susceptible to flooding and landslides,” she said. —LUISSE RUTAO/PAMPANGA PIO
