The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday said it is working closely with local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies as tropical depression ‘Crising’ and the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat) bring heavy rains across many parts of the country.
“Resources are ready, and coordination is ongoing to support affected areas. The public is advised to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and follow local advisories,” the OCD said in a statement.
Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) raised a ‘Red’ alert status as ‘Crising’ is forecast to enter ‘tropical storm’ category later this Thursday. It is projected to make a landfall over northern Cagayan or Isabela by Friday evening.
According to OCD, primary hazards associated with ‘Crising’ is heavy rainfall, which may trigger flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
“The cyclone is also expected to enhance the Habagat, bringing widespread rains to Southern Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Metro Manila is forecast to be under Yellow Alert for rainfall by Friday,” the agency noted.
OCD said it continues to maintain heightened alert and coordination with other agencies per President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the welfare of all Filipinos.
“We are ready to provide augmentation to the different LGUs that are affected. And we are in constant communication with our regional offices, said OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.
“The public is urged to stay alert, monitor official weather bulletins, and follow local advisories, especially in landslide- and flood-prone areas,” he added.
