By Michelle Ducut
The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has mobilized part of its 16 disaster response teams in anticipation of Typhoon Nika (international name Toraji), which is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the region.
On Monday, the PDRRMO confirmed that the 16 teams, each composed of four members, along with various rescue assets, are prepared to respond to emergencies across La Union. The teams are equipped to handle emergency medical services, search and rescue, surveillance, and 911 emergency telecommunications.
Some units, including those tasked with telecommunications and monitoring, have already been deployed, while others remain on standby to assist local government units (LGUs) as needed. The rescue assets include an ambulance, a high-lift off-road vehicle, a rescue truck, a service vehicle, a jetski, three rubber boats, and 22 pieces of heavy equipment designated for clearing operations.
The La Union PDRRMO raised its Emergency Operations Center to red alert status as of 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, to coordinate the response efforts. Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David also suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Monday due to the adverse weather conditions, with La Union placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has instructed local disaster risk reduction and management offices in the region to implement precautionary measures in areas at risk of storm surges. Forecasts indicate that some coastal areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan may experience storm surges of one to two meters, while certain areas in Ilocos Norte, including Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud, could face surges as high as 2.1 to 3 meters, according to the Office of Civil Defense.
As Typhoon Nika approaches, residents in vulnerable areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow advisories from local authorities.