PILI, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Chairperson Gov. Miguel Villafuerte issued Memorandum No.1, placing the entire province under red alert status.

He instructed all the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to ensure that the “NO SAILING” policy is strictly implemented.

Prohibition of all water activities is likewise advised. 

“Fisherfolks utilizing small bancas and large fishing vessels are not allowed to sail and venture out into the open sea and other bodies of water. All residents  and non-residents present along the coasts, lakes and rivers are directed not to undertake activities, such as but not limited to swimming, island hopping and other activities that may endanger their lives,” the memorandum states.

Though Tropical depression “Agaton” and Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Malakas” directly hit the southern portion of the country directly, it still brought moderate to severe rainfall in Camarines Sur and caused swelling of waters in some parts of the province.

PDRRMC has reported flooding in Barangay Concepcion (knee level), and above knee level in Barangays Candato and San Isidro (Sitio Ugis 2) all in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) also reported an increase in water level at the spillway in Barangay Bahao in the coastal town of Siruma.

Although Typhoon Malakas or “Basyang” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this morning but is unlikely to directly affect the weather condition in the country, PDRRMC still advised all the local communities, particularly residents in low lying areas to stay vigilant and move to safer place if necessary.

PDRRMC response agencies were likewise advised to place their respective Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in 24/7 status to immediately act on emergencies should flooding and landslide happen in the most vulnerable areas in the province.  (PIA5/Camarines Sur)