RDRRMC 1 Intensifies Preparedness for LPA and Monsoon Rains
Heavy rainfall alerts spark elevated disaster response operations across La Union and nearby areas.
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The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 raised disaster preparedness measures across the Ilocos Region during a risk assessment meeting on August 3, as a low pressure area and the southwest monsoon threaten prolonged heavy rainfall, the PIA said.
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Weather Specialist Engineer Mark Louie Vergara warned that La Union and Pangasinan face significant rainfall over the coming days, elevating the risk of flash floods and rain-induced landslides in mountainous and low-lying communities.
“The bottom line is that we expect rainy weather throughout this week across the whole of Ilocos Region due to the LPA and the southwest monsoon,” Vergara said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau identified thousands of barangays across the region as highly susceptible to landslips and flooding. To minimize potential impacts, regional authorities implemented several coordinated measures:
- Prepositioning emergency equipment and relief supplies across La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Dagupan City.
- Issuing directives for preemptive evacuations through the Department of the Interior and Local Government for high-risk zones.
- Establishing a virtual Regional Emergency Operations Center to facilitate real-time inter-agency monitoring and communication.
Speaking in behalf of OCD Regional Director, Assistant Secretary Laurence E. Mina, Office of Civil Defense Region 1 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division Chief Kristian A. Tabisaura told member agencies to be alert, and continue monitoring official weather advisories as the region braces for the potential impacts of the LPA and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 is issuing an official memorandum to activate designated emergency response teams across the region.
SOURCE: PIA
