Legazpi City ––As Tropical Storm Odette threatens the country, Albay governor Al Francis Bichara imposed the no sailing policy of all small and medium sea crafts to prevent untoward incidents.
Bichara issued a directive through the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) the no sailing policy due to the threat brought by Severe Tropical Storm Odette that is moving West Northwestward with strong winds of up to 150 kph and is expected to affect and will bring moderate to strong winds along the coast of Albay.
The strong winds according to Bichara will fuel the sea conditions to be rough to very rough with wave height expected to be at 2.8-4.5 meters high.
In anticipation of the adverse effect of the weather disturbance, the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised on the following:
No sailing of fishing boats small to medium sea crafts is strictly prohibited; population along river channels are advised to take all precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary river crossing due to possible river swelling and flashflood.
“All local DRRMO’s and BDRRMC’s are advised to monitor their respective areas particularly those exposed to flood, lahar, flashflood and landslide and take the appropriate and timely counter measure when needed,” he said.
“Odette” has intensified into typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is moving Westward at 20 kph as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility [PAGASA Bulletin No. 3, 11:00 AM].
In anticipation of the possible impacts of Typhoon Odette, Albay is now placed under preparedness and monitoring status.
The Albay PDRRMC advices respective city, MDRRMC’s and BDRRMC’s of the following:
Reiteration of PDRRMC Advisory No. 1;
activation of all disaster operation center and maintain close monitoring and state of readiness; to take all necessary precautionary and counter measures for possible flood, landslide, flashflood, debris flow [lahar] and coastal flooding.
(By: Raydes Barcia)