Malacañang on Wednesday urged the public to remain vigilant as tropical storm “Dante” and tropical Depression “Emong” continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, causing heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across parts of Luzon and Visayas.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies are actively responding to the impact of recent and ongoing weather disturbances.
Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., relief and rescue operations have been mobilized through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Philippine Coast Guard, with transport assistance and food packs deployed to affected communities and areas.
Castro said coordination with local governments and continuous public advisories remain top priorities of the Marcos administration, while authorities are monitoring the changing weather situation.
“Naiulat na po natin kahapon ang mga ginawa at naging accomplishments po ng ibang mga concerned agencies katulad po ng DSWD, DOTr; pati po iyong Philippine Coast Guard ay nagbigay na rin po ng libreng sakay … iyon po ay direktiba ng Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” Castro said.
The call for vigilance and assurance of ongoing relief measures came after Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Specialist Engr. Christopher Perez reported that tropical storm “Dante,” located 880 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, is not expected to make landfall, but instead will continue to intensify monsoon rains.
Meanwhile, tropical depression “Emong,” situated 115 kilometers west of Northern Luzon, has prompted the hoisting of tropical depression Wind Signal No. 1 over Ilocos Norte, parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Emong’s slow movement may prolong rainfall and increase the risk of flooding.
“Pinapayuhan ho namin ang mga residente dito, patuloy na mag-monitor sa kanilang kapaligiran, patuloy na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang local government officials at local disaster risk reduction managing officers para sa patuloy na gawaing-pangkaligtasan at disaster preparedness and mitigation measures,” Perez said.
Perez said continuous rainfall in recent days has saturated the ground in many parts of Northern Luzon. He warned that “Emong” may further worsen the situation, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and triggering landslides in vulnerable communities.
“Dahil alam naman po natin na ilang araw na ring nag-uulan sa ilang bahagi nga ng Northern Luzon area … posibleng may mga katamtamang ulan na dadalhin po ng Bagyong si Emong ay magdulot pa rin ng mga pagbaha sa low-lying areas … at puwedeng maging sanhi ng mga pagguho ng lupa,” Perez said.
Perez advised fisherfolk in affected coastal regions to remain ashore. | PND
