MANILA – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) convened on Sunday morning to ensure local and regional preparedness and response operations are in place for the potential effects of the latest weather disturbance.
A low-pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has develop into a tropical depression, according to the 2 p.m. bulletin of state weather bureau PAGASA.
It was last spotted 1, 350 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. Once inside PAR, it will be named Marce.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., who also serves as the chair of the NDRRMC, led the meeting with key officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), including Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV and Assistant Secretary Jekereen Joy Casipit.
The DND, OCD and other member-agencies of the NDRRMC are closely monitoring the situation and are enforcing all necessary preparations to mitigate risks and ensure community safety in anticipation of the weather disturbance.
“The NDRRMC urges all citizens to stay informed and heed official advisories as the situation develops. The council remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties across the nation,” the OCD said in a statement.
Parts of Luzon, especially Batangas and the Bicol Region, are still reeling from the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Super Typhoon Leon then drenched northern Luzon, particularly Batanes province, mid last week.
Batanes was also battered by Super Typhoon Julian on the first week of October. (PNA)