Typhoon (Ramil) Threatens Extreme Northern Luzon (Philippines) Anew

Still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon "Pepeng", extreme Northern Luzon (Philippines) is once again on the path of new weather disturbance named Ramil or "Lupit". It was tracked by PAGASA as early as 16 October 2009 at 2 p..m.; and forecast to be at 460 kms. east- northeast of Aparri, Cagayan on the morning of Wednesday (21 October 2009), at 120 kms. northeast of Aparri, Cagayan on Thursday morning and on friday morning at 150 kms of Laoag City. These provinces as well as nearby provinces are the same provinces where the previous typhoon "Pepeng" had damaged in its repeat performance. Typhoon "Pepeng" literally returned after passing over the country peacefully to cause damages still being accounted.

The new typhoon has as of 1:00 p.m. of 20 October 2009, has maximum sustained winds of 195 kph and gustiness of up to 230 kph near the center. It is a supertyphoon.

Storm Signals have been declared in specific provinces in the Northern Philippines. The signal whether #1 or # 2 specifically carries the advise to take all necessary precautions against flashfloods and landslides if living near mountainsides and low lying areas. While those living along the coast with storm signal #2 are advised to be on alert against big waves generated by the typhoon.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council had as well included in its bulletin the status of big water reservoirs in Luzon like Ambuklao Dam, Binga Dam, Pantabangan Dam, Magat dam and others. Affected provinces in the past typhoon had raised the issue of some of these dams having to be closed for contributing to the floods that affected them.

The bulletin included information on the actions taken as of the date of release. It includes warning dissemination and preparedness measures.

The importance of warning dissemination must be recognized by the public in that they must take information only from credible government agencies like NDCC or its local counterparts. There were reports in the past typhoon that caused panic among residents of a Pangasinan town where people have gathered from nowhere information that said part of San Roque dam had exploded.

Preparedness measures reveals the government attends to the immediate delivery of relief items to would- be affected localities. Relief items are now strategically "pre- positioned" at areas where they can be delivered to affected areas. Mobility is also enhanced with inflatable boats "pre- positioned" for used during rescue operations. Responsibilities are also clearly delineated with specific sectoral levels given assignments especially but obviously not limited to information dissemination and evacuation timing and procedures.

A report in GMA News.TV quoting AFP Spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner reveals the military is now in its blue alert in preparation for possible arrival of the typhoon. The military, police and fire (BFP) personnel have always been on the forefront of rescue as well as relief operations in the past.

The series of abnormally heavy weather disturbances like this upcoming supertyphoon "Lupit" is seemingly making the public accept their inevitable presence here and now. The first to react with commendable changes in the response procedures and strategies are obviously the concerned national and local government agencies. However, the very public must start to institute changes. Evacuation guidelines must be paid with sincere attention. Zoning ordinances must also be adhered to at the barangays and communities. And environmental laws and ordinances must be taken as no- joke and be strongly implemented with cooperation by all sectors.

Source:

NDCC UPDATE Severe Weather Bulletin No. 10 for Typhoon Ramil (Lupit) and Preparedness Measures

Evacuate while there is still time, NLuzon residents told