BAGUIO CITY (PIA)--In preparation for the possible effects of Tropical Depression Obet, Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) Chairperson and Civil Defense Cordillera Regional Director Albert Mogol convened a Pre – Disaster Risk Assessment  meeting today.

Engr. Larry Esperanza of PAGASA – Baguio reported  that on the track forecast, the center of TD Obet may traverse extreme Northern Luzon or the northern portion of mainland Northern Luzon between tomorrow evening and Saturday morning. TD Obet may reach tropical storm category before landfall over extreme Northern Luzon and is forecast to exit Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday afternoon or evening.

 Based on PAGASA forecast, early morning tomorrow through Saturday morning, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains possible over Apayao while light to moderate with at times heavy rain is likely over Kalinga and Abra.

Mogol   advised CRDRRMC member agencies especially those in the response cluster and the different local government units and local DRRM offices to continue monitoring weather updates and maintain a pro – active approach by always preparing for the worst case scenario and to conduct preemptive evacuation on areas that are highly susceptible to landslides and flashfloods, if deemed necessary.

He also called on LGUs/LDRRMCs to advise the public in their respective area of responsibility to avoid going out on mountain and riversides or travelling during heavy rains or occurrence of continuous downpour.

He also advised them to keep watch on tourism activities particularly trekking and mountain climbing and also on illegal mining activities.

Meantime, Department of Social Welfare and Development – CAR Regional Director Leo Quintilla  assured their  readiness to respond and augment possible relief operations of LGUs with sufficient  food and non – food items already pre-positioned in the regional and provincial satellite warehouses  as well as  LGUs regionwide.

 The DSWD – CAR data shows 64,688 family food packs available with 28,562 pre-positioned on warehouses and 36,126 others prepositioned on LGUs. There are also raw materials available that can be processed to produce 64,688 more FFPs. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)