RDC, RDRRMC in CV prepare for typhoon “Pablo”
By Minerva BC. Newman
CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec 3 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC-7) Task Force will hold an emergency meeting at 2 p.m. today to map out preparations for the expected landfall of typhoon “Pablo” within the next 48 hours in Central Visayas.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-7) also called for an emergency meeting on Sunday, December 2 to advise its members and the local government units within the region to take appropriate actions and further intensify the community-based approach in disaster risk reduction.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) and RDRRMC-7 chairperson Minda Morante told the media that “we always aim for zero casualty and undertake pre-emptive evacuations” in an impending disaster.
DOST-Pagasa-7 chief Oscar Tabada reported that typhoon “Pablo” is packing winds at 210kph and signal # 1 has been hoisted in Siquijor, Bohol, Biliran, Camotes, Southern Leyte, Eastern & Western Samar as of 8:00 a.m. today.
“It is very strong and it has the characteristics of a super typhoon and is expected to landfall within the next 48 hours affected Bohol, Siquijor and mostly the southern part of Cebu,” Tabada reported.
Provincial disaster risk reduction management councils in Cebu, Negros Oriental and Bohol have met to also prepare for any eventuality.
NegOr-PDRRMC held an emergency meeting today to strengthen preparations to minimize the impact of typhoon “Pablo.”
NegOr governor Roel Degamo said, pro-active measures shall be undertaken as the typhoon is expected to hit Negros Oriental particularly 60 km north of Dumaguete by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.
Degamo continues to enjoin local government units to take the lead in preparing local communities of the onslaught of typhoon “Pablo.”
Negros Oriental PDRRMC passed a resolution today to use the 5% of the 70% calamity fund 2012 for the pre, during and post disaster activities that might be incurred from typhoon “Pablo.”
Meanwhile, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria instructed key city government personnel and officials to be at the command center at the city session hall tomorrow to prepare for typhoon “Pablo.” (mbcn/PIA-7)