BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) reminded  local government units to take pro-active actions and conduct risk assessments in preparation for the possible effect of Tropical Storm Florita in the region.

CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Albert Mogol issued the reminder during the Emergency Pre – Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting  Sunday  afternoon.

Mogol advised LGUs to conduct risk assessment in their respective locality and to implement pre-emptive evacuation, if deemed necessary, especially in  areas that are highly susceptible  to flash floods and rain – induced landslides.

He also reminded LGUs to check the   cracks on the mountain slopes (caused by the Magnitude 7.0 July 27 earthquake) if it  poses  danger to people and the community. , as well as to learn from recent flash floods that hit Banaue, Ifugao.

With COVID – 19 still a health concern, Mogol also  reiterated  the strict implementation of health and safety protocols in emergency operations centers and in   evacuation centers.

In the PDRA meeting, the CRDRRMC checked on the preparedness measures and implementation plans of the various council member agencies, especially those under the council’s response cluster, as well as the preparedness of the different provincial/city DRRM offices.

The geo – hazard map of the Mines and Geo – science Bureau for barangays that are highly susceptible to landslides and flash floods was also shared during the meeting,

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera also assured that family food packs and essential non – food items are already strategically prepositioned  in the different provinces of  the Cordillera.

As of 11am advisory of PAGASA, the center of Tropical Storm Florita was estimated based on all available data at 215 kilometer Easr of Casiguran, Aurora and moving West Southwestward at 15 km/h with maximum sustained wind of  75 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 90 kph.

TS Florita is also expected to make landfall by Tuesday morning or afternoon and to cross Northern Luzon towards the West Philippine Sea.(JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)