By Michelle Ducut
The provincial government of La Union is on high alert as Typhoon Marce (international name Yinxing) approaches northern Luzon. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, officials have prepositioned rescue personnel, vehicles, and equipment, following the declaration of red alert status across the Ilocos Region on Thursday.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David convened a pre-disaster risk assessment with key provincial agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts. The Provincial Information Office (PIO) reported that 60 personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, and Provincial General Services Office are ready for immediate deployment.
In preparation, La Union has strategically positioned a range of emergency assets, including rescue trucks, rubber boats, a jetski, four vans, an ambulance, and 21 heavy pieces of equipment for potential clearing and rescue operations. The provincial government has also prepared 1,068 family food packs, each containing six kilograms of rice, canned goods, instant coffee, family kits, hygiene supplies, and medicines.
The PIO emphasized the importance of pre-emptive evacuation in areas deemed at high risk. Governor Ortega-David has suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools and halted government work for Friday, exempting frontline and emergency personnel.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 for northern La Union towns, including Sudipen, Bangar, Balaoan, Luna, and Santol, while the rest of the province remains under Signal No. 1.
Typhoon Marce, which carries maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h and gusts of up to 240 km/h, is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the region. La Union’s readiness measures reflect lessons learned from past storms, as the province continues to prioritize early response to minimize damage and protect lives.