The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) yesterday alerted local government units in the path of tropical depression “Igme” in Northern Luzon, where two provinces have been placed under public storm signal number one, for preemptive actions.
NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Benito Ramos said that based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), “Igme” is expected to enhance the prevailing southwest monsoon.
According to Ramos, all regional disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs) are directed “to undertake precautionary measures in their areas of responsibility (AORs) and subsequently advised local DRRMCs to initiate preemptive evacuation of families in low-lying and mountainous areas if situation warrants.”
He said “residents living in Northern Luzon especially in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.”
Ramos added that “fishing boats and other small sea craft are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon due to tropical depression Igme and the surge of southwest monsoon.”
Pagasa yesterday placed the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan under public storm signal number one.
The weather bureau said Igme was seen moving “slowly” and was 280 kilometers (kms.) east-southeast of Aparri, Cagayan, packed with maximum sustained winds of 55 kms. per hour near the center and was moving west “slowly.”
By Monday morning it is expected to be 260 km. east-southeast of Aparri, Cagayan. By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 130 kms. east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan.
Pagasa forecast that Igme may bring five to 15 millimeters per hour (moderate to heavy) rainfall within its 400-km diameter.
It also said Igme may enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over Central and Southern Luzon especially the western side.