MANILA — Disaster response units were scrambled and pre-positioned in provinces Sunday, as areas along the expected path of a powerful storm were alerted for heavy rain, floods and landslides. The presidential palace said the government has prepared all the necessary precautions and prepared government resources for the arrival of typhoon Bopha (local codename: “Pablo”). In a regular Sunday press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte called on all responsible government agencies, the media, non-government volunteer groups and volunteers to do their part in preparing for the weather disturbance and lessening its impact on the country. The official called on local government units to monitor the bulletins aired by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Agency (PAGASA) and constantly update their constituents on weather developments to keep them safe. “Keep updated on the bulletins from PAGASA. Always cooperate with the local authorities as the National Government is all ready to provide all assistance to those that may be affected,” Valte said. Earlier, disaster management officials said one of the reasons why there are casualties during natural calamities is because people refuse to heed government calls for evacuation. “When authorities in your area order evacuation, you have to move and go to the evacuation centers,” Benito Ramos, chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said. According to PAGASA, “Bopha” was located 1,110 km east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, in Southern Philippines, with maximum sustained winds of 185km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 220km/h. It is forecast to move west northwest at 22km/h. Compared with previous typhoons, Bopha, is relatively moving fast. It is expected to deliver heavy rain starting Monday afternoon in Mindanao, and will continue its north-northwestern path toward Central Philippines, possibly hitting Cebu, Bohol and the Western Visayas Region. It is expected to bring 20-30 mm of rain per hour. The northern half of Mindanao, the central islands and southern parts of Luzon will see anywhere between 150 and 300 mm of rain, hence the concerns regarding flooding and landslides. Typhoons rarely affect the southern Philippines as they lie so close to the Equator, they do happen. — Agencies
