The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Monday ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents in areas identified as high risk for flooding and landslides due to the anticipated downpour from Severe Tropical Storm Leon.
“In anticipation of potential heavy rainfall due to Tropical Storm Leon, especially in the Bicol Region, and as advised by DOST-PAGASA, all Local Government Units are hereby directed to strictly enforce forced evacuation protocols in areas identified as high risk for flooding, landslides, and other related hazards,” the memorandum read.
The memorandum was released following the directive of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., who also serves as chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), to immediately implement forced and mandatory evacuation.
“Upon Teodoro’s directive, the DILG has issued a memorandum to all local government units, as well as DILG regional directors of Regions I, II, V, and CAR, and the chiefs of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, to implement forced evacuation protocols in anticipation of potential heavy rainfall,” the statement read.
Office of Civil Defense administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said the order was released as the national government intensified its efforts to assist those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which left the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday.
“This measure is very crucial to save lives. Being proactive will save lives; it’s better to take action now than to regret later and lose lives,” Teodoro said.
“Let’s continue to be proactive, especially with Bicol’s current situation where several towns and cities still remain under water. We always aim for zero casualties in the event of disasters, so we strongly urge the public to heed our protocols,” he added.
The NDRRMC has logged 116 fatalities due to the onslaught of Kristine.
According to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin, Signal No. 1 is hoisted over 22 areas as Leon intensified over the Philippine Sea. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Be the first to comment