PDRRMRC  OVERSEES  RESCUE  OPERATIONS  IN  THE  PROVINCE

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMRC) and other frontline offices of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) this morning, August 24, ensured that relief supplies and rescue equipment were utilized in ongoing rescue operations, in light of Severe Tropical Storm “Ineng.”

The Severe Tropical Storm Ineng (International Name: Bailu) battered Ilocos Norte with heavy rains causing some areas to suffer from critical levels of floods and landslide that resulted to the impassability of some roads.

Marcel Tabije Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer said that “the Provincial Government is helping our local government units (LGU) by lending our rescue equipment and overseeing rescue operations.”

A total of 1, 750 relief packs containing rice and canned goods have already been stored in 7 sites through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), concentrating on northern towns as they are expected to be the hardest-hit by the tropical storm.

PSWDO Head Mrs. Lilian Rin also reminds residents of the “lola watch,” urging neighbors and families to look out for vulnerable members of their communities.

“Ipalpalagipko man laeng kadagiti addaan iti senior citizens, persons with disabilities, kadagiti inna nga agdadagsen ken addaan ti annak a babassit – kitaentayo kadi nga salwadantayo dagiti nadakamat, nga no makita tayo ng agdakes ti panawen ket mapantayo kadagiti higher ground.”

(Maigting ang ating pagpapaalala sa mga pamilyang may miyembrong senior citizens, mga may kapansanan, kabilang na ang mga magulang na may maliliit na anak na bantayan ang kanilang kaligtasan sa oras na hindi maganda ang lagay ng panahon. Lumikas sa ligtas na lugar, halimbawa na ang mga higher ground.)

She added, “I-take care tayo kadagiti nadakamat a sektor, tapno iti kasta ket saanda nga maapektaran directly kadagiti saan a nasayaat nga ibuangay daytoy bagyo nga paspasangasaentayo.”

(Unahin nating tugunan ang kapakanan ng mga taong nabanggit, nang sa gayon ay hindi sila lubusang maapektuhan ng paparating na bagyo.)

As of now, several rescue vehicles are stationed at the Provincial Capitol, including one ambulance, three payloaders, one backhoe, and two rubber boats.

Even with relief and rescue apparatus prepared, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has encouraged residents to stay home and avoid going out if necessary. Those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to floods and rain-induced landslides are advised to take precautionary measures.

The PDRRMC, frontline offices of the PGIN, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will convene this afternoon for an emergency session regarding the situation.