CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of this province met today and discussed preparations and readiness on the upcoming super typhoon with international name Mawar, which is expected to affect the Northern Luzon area.

The meeting was presided by PDRRM Officer Atty. Constante Foronda Jr. and attended by the council members held at the Blue Room in the Capitol.

Foronda said that the PDRRMC is aiming for a zero casualties if Super Typhoon Mawar may extend its effect in the province,while stating that the cooperation of every council member is needed to meet this objective.

He added that the PDRRMO has already prepared the deployment of the rescue vehicles and personnel in the province that will augment the rescue units of the Local Government Units.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lucila Ambatali reported that there are enough food packs from the Provincial Government, from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - 2 and from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - 2 ready to be prepositioned in the province’s vulnerable areas.

NIA-MRIIS Dam Management Division Chief Engr. Carlo Ablan said that the incoming Super Typhoon Mawar may bring moderate to heavy rainfall that will fill the Magat Dam reservoir up to 180 to 182 meters water elevation.

He said further that the Magat dam’s present elevation as of May 26, 2023 is 175 meters and it has started releasing its stored water for irrigation since May 8, 2023.

On the part of the four DPWH Engineering District Offices, they have reported to the council that they have a ready fleet of heavy equipment vehicles and personnel that may be utilized in clearing and rescue operations when needed.

On the part of Isabela Electric Cooperative 1, they reported that they scheduled to conduct the pruning of trees along the electric lines and have ready personnel and vehicles to conduct power restoration in case the electric lines will be affected by the typhoon.

PDRRM Officer Atty. Constante Foronda urged the council members, particularly their search and rescue teams, including the clearing operations teams, to be prepared and be on stand-by mode and continue monitoring the movement of the typhoon. (MGE / PIA Isabela)