Gov’t agencies on alert as ‘Crising’ heads for Luzon
Tropical Depression “Crising” may make landfall in mainland Cagayan by Friday night, according to the state weather bureau, as President Marcos on Thursday ordered all concerned government agencies to implement proactive measures and ensure complete readiness.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 5 p.m., Crising was 335 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. (See related story)
It was moving west-northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), packing maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kph near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.
“Crising will move generally northwestward over the next 24 hours. A landfall scenario over mainland Cagayan by Friday evening is possible,” Pagasa said.
“Afterwards, it will move westward, traversing the northern portion of Northern Luzon, and turn west-northwestward until it exits the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday afternoon,” it added.
In a press briefing, Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that concerned government agencies have been placed on heightened alert and were actively conducting predisaster risk assessment checks.
In line with the President’s directive, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised its alert status from the lowest “white” to “blue” beginning on July 16 to facilitate heightened monitoring, faster coordination and preemptive response.
It also mobilized the Virtual Emergency Operations Center to ensure the smooth coordination of emergency responses.
Pagasa, on the other hand, will continuously issue weather advisories and bulletins to boost public awareness about tropical cyclones.
On standby
Also on standby are the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to facilitate quick response to any emergency.
“The government is continuously monitoring and providing advisories to all the stakeholders and countrymen,” Castro said.
Malacañang also urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor weather advisories and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety and minimize the potential impact of Crising.
Several provinces in Luzon are currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 like Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Quirino, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pollilo Islands, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and the northern portions of Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Benguet and La Union.
Pagasa warned the public of possible widespread flooding and landslides in case of prolonged and heavy rains.
