Disaster officials went on red alert over the potential impact of Typhoon “Bising,” as the storm moved closer to the Bicol region.
The weather bureau said “Bising” will move northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Bicol on Monday, then move north until Tuesday afternoon before turning northwestward again east of Cagayan Valley.
Given the uncertainty of the typhoon's path, a westward shift in the current forecast could result in “significant impact” over the easter portions of Southern Luzon and the Visayas, the weather bureau added.
In the 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Typhoon Bising maintained its maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 265 kph.
Bising could bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Bicol and Eastern Visayas Sunday, PAGASA said.
The typhoon may continue to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Bicol and Northern Samar by Monday.
Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 was hoisted over Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar.
Signal no. 1 remained over the eastern portion of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, including Burias and Ticao Islands, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, the northern portion of Cebu, Dinagat Islands, Siargao Islands and Bucas Grande Islands.
In an interview on radio dzBB, the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said the agency and the regional disaster councils, especially those in Eastern Visayas, the Bicol region and Northern Luzon were on red alert.
The NDRRMC said a total of P1.6 billion worth of stockpiles of food and standby funds have been prepared for those living in areas expected to be affected by Typhoon Bising.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) readied P556 million in standby funds in its central office and field offices. Of this amount, P518 million is the available Quick Response Fund in the DSWD main office.
DSWD also readied 370,058 family food packs worth P188 million and other food items worth P336 million1 and non-food supplies valued at P521 million.
The Department of Health (DOH) also prepared P9.4 million worth of drugs, medicines, medical supplies, health kits as well as COVID-19 supplies and personal protective equipment.
Malacañang on Sunday urged the public to remain vigilant and follow quarantine protocols as Bising maintained strength while passing close to Bicol Region.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the national government continues to monitor Typhoon Bising 24/7.
“Our concern is the safety of everyone. We therefore ask our people to remain alert and vigilant, cooperate with authorities and continue to observe minimum public health standards for protection against COVID-19,” he said in a press statement.
To date, Roque said the Office of Civil Defense has conducted pre-disaster risk assessments at the national level and issued guidance and advisories for the early preparation of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and the local government units (LGUs) since April 14.