THE Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CVDRRMC) has issued an advisory ahead of the scheduled launch of China’s Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, set between 10:22 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. on Thursday.
Authorities have identified several potential drop zones for rocket debris within Philippine waters — around 93 nautical miles (153.7 kilometers) off Dalupiri Island, 69 nautical miles (127.7 km) off Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 116 nautical miles (214.8 km) off Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 193 nautical miles (357 km) off Camiguin Norte in the Babuyan Islands, Calayan, Cagayan.
The CVDRRMC has alerted law enforcement units and disaster risk reduction offices in Cagayan, Isabela, and Batanes, along with coastal communities, to brace for possible debris fallout.
Fisherfolk and residents along coastal areas were also advised to stay away from, avoid retrieving, or handling any suspected floating debris, and to immediately report sightings to local authorities or relevant agencies.
Local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned offices have also been directed to implement precautionary measures and maintain close coordination to ensure public safety.
