PILI, Camarines Sur (PIA) – The Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), chaired by Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi R. Villafuerte, immediately activated all response clusters in anticipation of the potentially disastrous effects of LPA “Rosal”, which could develop into a tropical depression within 24 to 48 hours.

During the virtual PDRRMC emergency meeting held today, Dec.9, Friday, PAGASA-Bicol River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning System (BRBFFWC) Weather Specialist Nivagine C. Zamudio, said that LPA “Rosal” might come closer to Camarines Sur on Saturday, Dec. 10.

“As it is predicted to come closer to Camarines Sur on Saturday, Camarinenses may expect moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly those residing on the eastern part of the province.  Buhi water level is gradually receding but near above the spilling level, so possible flooding is more likely to occur,” Zamudio said.

Zamudio added that as LPA Rosal started to dump some rains in most part of the province, urban and agricultural flooding, including flooding in small rivers outside of the Bicol River basin, are more likely to occur.

As of 3PM today, the Office of the Civil Defense- Bicol, thru the PAGASA-HMD-FFWS, issued an advisory that “the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 245 km East Northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (10.7N, 127.5E). Shear Line is also affecting Northern Luzon.”

The forecasted 12-hr Rainfall, as per the said advisory is moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms thus watercourses of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Albay and Masbate are likely to be affected.

OCD Bicol advised vulnerable areas for possible flashfloods.

In view of these possible threats and hazards, Gov. Luigi raised a pre-Rosal red alert status and issued a memorandum to all mayors, MDRRMC Chairpersons, Punong Barangays, BDRRMC Chairpersons and all other PDRRMC agencies to activate their emergency operations center and ensure that all weather advisories and warning are timely cascaded to the residents.

In view of these possible threats and hazards, Gov. Luigi raised a pre-Rosal red alert status and issued a memorandum to all mayors, MDRRMC Chairpersons, Punong Barangays, BDRRMC Chairpersons and all other PDRRMC agencies to activate their emergency operations center and ensure that all weather advisories and warning are timely cascaded to the residents.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Camarines Sur SWAD Team Leader and Social Welfare Officer IV Harry Jay B. Daet said that they already activated their Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to ensure that coordination are done in all municipal and barangay levels.

“We have already alerted our QRTs to closely monitor hazard areas and assist the MSWDOs during pre-emptive evacuation and camp management. We will also monitor our ports for stranded passengers. We already prepositioned family food packs and other non-food items just in case there is a need to distribute them,” Daet said during the meeting.  

PDRRMC also issued a NO SAIL policy to all fisherfolks utilizing small bancas and large fishing vessels.  All resident, including non-residents along the coastlines are also advised to avoid water-related activities that may endanger their lives.

The council will continuously monitor LDRRMC’s compliance to the issued memorandum and advisories. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)