By Raydes Barcia
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Legazpi City—Albay governor Al Francis Bichara ordered the no sailing policy following Tropical Storm Agaton with international name MEGI bringing moderate to torrential rains in Bicol.
In an advisory issued on Monday (April 11, 2022) on 12 noon , Bichara said that
In anticipation of the adverse effects of the weather disturbance brought by Tropical Depression Agaton and the expected arrival of visitors and the public engaging in outdoor and water activities in observance of the Holy Week, the Albay PDRRMC advises the general public to take all the necessary precautions and anticipate moderate to heavy rainfall that may cause possible flooding, river swelling, landslide, and moderate to rough seas of [1.2 – 3.4 meters] high.
“To ensure public safety and security and to maintain zero casualty, there will be no sailing of small sea crafts and fishing boats,” he said.
Bichara also advised the people living along river channels to take all precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary river crossing due to possible river swelling and flashflood.
He also directed all municipal and disaster risk reduction management council to strictly monitor the flood, lahat, Landslide and flashflood prone areas and to enforce localized evacuation of residents when the need arises.
“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, localized and timely counter measures when needed,” Bichara said.
“All city, municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices and BDRRMC should take all necessary precautionary and counter measures for possible flood, landslide and debris flow[lahar]; maintain close monitoring and establish state of readiness to institute local evacuation if needed,” Bichara added.
He also asked the hotels, public and private resorts to exercise due diligence in engaging to any form of outdoor or water related activities and are reminded of observing proper hygiene and health monitoring of guests.(Raydes Barcia)