The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) called for intensified disaster preparedness measures to address multiple ongoing natural hazards, including the effects of shear line, Kanlaon Volcano’s heightened activity, and a series of offshore earthquakes in Ilocos Sur.
Civil Defense Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno issued the urgent directives during Thursday’s emergency preparedness meeting.
Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of enhancing regional contingency plans, raising public awareness, improving communication strategies, and refining evacuation protocols. He encouraged investing in early warning systems and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
“To safeguard our communities, we must prioritize the construction of buildings that can withstand natural hazards and ensure that our early warning systems are robust and effective,” he said in a statement.
Local government units (LGUs) were urged to collaborate with OCD regional offices to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported ongoing weather disturbances, with the shear line and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
“Forecasts indicate that by January 2025, most parts of the country may experience near-normal to above-normal rainfall conditions, although some areas in Northern Luzon may differ,” the OCD said in its report.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3, with potential for effusive eruptions or escalation to Alert Level 4. Communities were advised to avoid mudflow-prone areas.
Meanwhile, since December 23, 2024, 285 earthquakes were recorded offshore in Ilocos Sur, with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 5.0.
While no tsunami buoy is available for real-time monitoring, Nepomuceno urged LGUs to maximize existing tsunami sensor stations, highlighting the importance of vertical evacuation in low-lying areas.
The Department of Health (DOH) is addressing public health concerns, including ashfall and potential waterborne diseases, while coordinating with international humanitarian agencies to support evacuees, according to the OCD.
Fourteen schools in Western Visayas and Central Visayas are serving as evacuation centers, with hybrid class setups planned for January 2025.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the public that all national roads and bridges remain passable, with prepositioned equipment ready to assist travelers.
