THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Saturday issued a grave warning to the public as the destructive effects of the shear line and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) continue to wreak havoc across the Philippines.
With five fatalities, two individuals reported missing and widespread destruction as of Jan. 3, the OCD has called for urgent and decisive actions to mitigate further devastation.
As outlined in the OCD Disaster Report 01, the ongoing weather phenomena have caused relentless rains and severe flooding across multiple regions, including Mimaropa (Occidental and Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque), Eastern Visayas and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato or Cotabato del Sur, Cotabato or Cotabato del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos).
The current toll stands at five deaths, with 20 individuals injured or ill, two persons missing, and 1,092 homes damaged — 394 of which are destroyed. Infrastructure in the Davao Region alone has suffered damage estimated at P215.7 million.
Power outages have left entire municipalities in darkness, while 39 roads and six bridges are impassable in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central and Eastern Visayas, and the Davao regions, further hampering disaster response efforts. Nearly half a million families — affecting about 139,255 individuals —have also been affected, with over 2,900 people seeking refuge in evacuation centers or with relatives.
OCD Chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging the public and government units not to underestimate the destructive potential of these weather systems.
“With ongoing reports of flooding, fatalities, and extensive property damage, it is crucial that we act decisively to prevent further loss of life and destruction. The Shear Line and ITCZ can be as destructive as the typhoons that claimed 43 lives in the Visayas and Mindanao just last year,” he said in a statement.
In a memorandum, Nepomuceno instructed all regional directors to heighten disaster preparedness and activate comprehensive response protocols.
He stressed the need for personnel to review the National Disaster Response Plan and local contingency protocols, focusing on worst-case scenarios.
A thorough assessment of food and non-food items and emergency response equipment must be conducted immediately to address potential shortages. Communication lines must remain operational to ensure seamless coordination among government units during emergencies.
Regional directors are also encouraged to recommend early evacuations for communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Additionally, incidents that could hinder disaster response efforts must be promptly reported for immediate action.
These measures aim to bolster community resilience and mitigate risks as the nation navigates these challenging weather conditions.
The OCD has urged all local government units, community leaders, and citizens to remain vigilant and proactive. Nepomuceno reiterated,
“Every action we take today can save lives tomorrow. Let us work together to build resilience and ensure that no Filipino is left behind in this time of crisis,” said Nepomuceno.
In its early morning forecast on Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said extreme northern Luzon would be affected by the northwest monsoon, while other parts of northern and central Luzon would be affected by a shear line, which could bring rains and thunderstorms.
As for Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley, the shear line produced cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms in these areas.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country had partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or localized thunderstorms.
In its 11 a.m. advisory, the weather bureau forecast moderate to heavy rains in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao and Kalinga from Saturday until Sunday at noon, with Cagayan bearing the brunt until Monday along with Isabela.
“The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Pagasa Regional Services Divisions may issue Heavy Rainfall Warnings, Rainfall/Thunderstorm Advisories, and other severe weather information specific to their areas of responsibility as appropriate,” they warned.
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