Dam operator alerted; Edca sites readied
President Marcos on Wednesday ordered dam operators in Luzon to release water slowly to prevent overflows when tropical storm “Kristine” dumps heavier rains. Noting that the weather disturbance is still in its early stages, Mr. Marcos stressed the need to prepare for the massive volume of water that “Kristine” will bring.
Kristine is expected to hit land in Isabela by Thursday morning at the latest.
“What we can do is a measured response. Even if it’s not yet at a high level, we should discharge a little water. Let’s lower the water level in a way that the downstream communities won’t be too affected. We should release water now so that when the stronger rains come, we will have a little breathing room for our dams,” the President said.
“From what we are looking at, it really looks like this storm is more about flooding. There’s a bit of wind but it’s not to the extent of the other super typhoons that we have seen so far,” the President said in a briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday morning.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Magat, Binga and San Roque dams have started the gradual release of water from their reservoirs.
Edca sites readied
The government will likewise “make full use” of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) to bring aid to areas badly hit by Kristine.
President Marcos said the government is preparing to activate some of the nine Edca sites for humanitarian assistance and disaster response in anticipation of aid from the US and other allies.
These are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa and the Balabac Island facility in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Benito Abuen Air Base in Cebu, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, and Lal-lo Airport and the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Cagayan.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military is preparing most of its aircraft to transport the needed aid, equipment and personnel in Kristine-hit areas.
“Yesterday we also coordinated with our US counterparts and they are ready to send in their aircraft using our Edca sites. And then if other countries are coming in, we will also establish our multinational coordinating centers,” Brawner informed the President.
Help from allies
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he talked to Singapore ambassador to Manila Constance See to “marshal their capabilities for airlift and other manpower assistance that they can pitch in.”
“We have to establish first the protocols before the actual deployment of military assets. We will talk to our traditional partners in the next few days in anticipation of airlift needs and other rescue needs. We are reaching out to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as the closest neighbors, in addition to the partner nations,” he informed the President.
The PNP in Metro Manila has similarly activated its Reactionary Standby Support Force and all its personnel are on heightened alert to assist other government disaster response units, according to National Capital Region Police Office acting director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia.
At least 598 evacuation centers were identified in Metro Manila to host displaced individuals and families, he said. The National Food Authority (NFA), for its part, is preparing to distribute 4.3 million sacks of rice to assist those affected by Kristine.
“All NFA warehouses are currently open to ensure the swift distribution of rice to affected communities,” NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said.
Stranded passengers
During the NDRRMC briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista reported that 5,329 passengers and 994 vehicles were stranded in various ports due to the suspension of sea travel.
Mr. Marcos learned from Jay Santiago, general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, that some port employees paid for the hot meals such as “lugaw” for the stranded passengers, as caring for stranded passengers was not included in their budget.
The President stressed the need for a “more systematic way” of taking care of passengers stranded in ports due to bad weather.
“We cannot keep resorting to ad hoc solutions. The government should have a more systematic way of looking after them,” the President noted.
In response, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said his agency cooked hot meals at the Matnog Port for stranded passengers.
He added that the Department of Science and Technology is about to launch its “ready-to-eat box” that includes items such as protein bars, and that they will preposition these food packs in ports for stranded passengers in times of inclement weather. -WITH REPORTS FROM JORDEENE B. LAGARE AND FRANCES MANGOSING
