The Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management assured that all assets and other necessary assistance are on standby in preparation for the onslaught of the tropical depression “Obet” in the province.
Cagayan PDRRMO chief Ruelie Rapsing said the provincial assets and personnel were already deployed while the assisting national line agencies and uniformed personnel have readied necessary equipment and supplies needed during calamity.
“We already advised preemptive evacuation. We are already done with the pre-disaster risk assessment along with the Office of Civil Defense, we already asked the support and assistance from the regional offices of Department of the Interior and Local Government on its Listo Protocols so that local chief executives will be guided in deciding the preemptive evacuations,” Rapsing said.
The PDRRMO chief disclosed that several towns in the province have already declared a state of calamity in their respective areas so that they can use 30 percent of the DRRM fund during emergencies.
He added that the Cagayan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has enough stockpiles in the warehouses to aid the possible affected residents.
“Somehow, we’re in for a long haul. After this Obet we have monitored a low-pressure area, so we’re preparing for the worst,” Rapsing said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that the tropical depression maintained its strength while moving westward.
“Obet” will bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains possible over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, and the northern portions of Ilocos Norte and mainland Cagayan on beginning Friday through Saturday.
“Obet” is forecast to traverse west-southwestward by Friday morning while accelerating before turning westward towards Luzon Strait.
The center of the tropical cyclone may traverse the Babuyan Islands-Batanes area between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
“Obet” is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.