DILG activates monitoring systems in ‘Pablo’-risk regions

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government has activated disaster monitoring systems in Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga where typhoon Pablo is expected to hit hardest.

Local government heads, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard and barangay officials have been asked to disseminate information on the storm, and to warn fishermen from sailing during the typhoon.

Small scale miners and residents along river systems were also asked to be on alert for Pablo, especially in the Eastern seaboard and other landslide-prone areas. Aside from heavy rains, floods, landslides and mudslides are expected.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas said the preparations are “in accordance with President [Benigno Aquino III’s] marching orders to ensure zero casualties from disasters, as much as possible.”

Roxas emphasized the need for residents to heed government warnings on top of the measures put in place by the DILG.

“We have our existing protocols, and it is just a matter of implementing them and making other necessary preparations as appropriate. But more than anything else, we need to enlist the cooperation of our people particularly those in flood-prone and other low-lying areas,” he added.

Roxas said it was better to be prepared, whether the storm hits or not, and assured the people of the support of their local governments.

The PNP and its disaster response units are also on standby and ready to mount rescue missions in affected areas. – Rappler.com