Some areas in Visayas and Mindanao continue to prepare for the possible impact of the upcoming typhoon Odette.
Eastern Samar is now experiencing light to moderate rains, according to Ma. Josefina Titong of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Titong said they are also waiting for PAGASA’s weather updates and advisories, which they will send to local governments.
PDRRMO also held an emergency council meeting on Tuesday to prepare for the upcoming typhoon.
“Ang aming relief goods, rescue vehicles ay handa na po. Nag-conduct ng preemptive [evacuation] lalo na po ‘yung mga flood prone areas natin at saka ‘yung mga nasa coastal barangay,” said Titong.
The National Food Authority and the PDRRMO in Northern Samar have also set aside rice for a five to six-day supply.
“May food packs din ang DSWD na umaabot ng 62,000 family food packs nakapreposition sa istratehikong lugar ng aming probinsiya,” said Rei Josiah Echano.
The police, military, and Municipal Risk Reduction Offices have also deployed 800 standby rescue teams.
“Ang DOH at provincial health office may standby na, 300 nurses, at 20 midwives,” said Echano.
Provinces likely to be hit by typhoon Odette getting ready
So far, he said, no residents have been evacuated, but they continue to monitor the situation because Wednesday night to Thursday morning is critical for the province and other provinces.
“’Yung mga hazard prone areas na nasa baybayin na 20 out of 24 municipalities are coastal towns, ito po ang inihahanda namin for any eventuality sa preemptive evacuation.”
In Surigao del Norte, a preemptive evacuation was conducted Tuesday afternoon.
“Mamayang hapon mag-force na kami ‘pag marami ang hindi pa mag-evacuate. Ngayon, pina-prioritize namin ‘yung mga sick, elderly, children, physically challenged, and pregnant women,” said Marilyn Pono, chief of the PDRRMO.
Meanwhile, Dinagat Island conducted an assessment at its evacuation centers last Sunday.
Ryle Elago of PDRRMO of Dinagat Island said all their emergency operations centers have also been activated.
Typhoon Odette was last seen 735 kilometers east of Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur, with wind speeds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 135 kph.
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