NAVAL, Biliran -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) has activated its Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Team (DRRMT) in preparation for Typhoon Odette.

District Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones said they have already started prepositioning their manpower and maintenance equipment at their strategic locations for immediate clearing operation and disaster response.

“Standby crew and foreman will be prepositioned on all road sections particularly at Biliran-Naval road, Almeria-Kawayan road and Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (NCCCR) which are considered landslide-prone areas along our national roads,” said Briones.

Briones added that they will also be deploying maintenance crew at the Biliran Bridge as well as the Catmon and Caraycaray Bridge detours which are considered critical links in going in and out of Naval and to other parts of Leyte.

“Lahat nang mga malalaking infrastructure natin na madalas nadadaanan ng mga tao, 'yun ang kailangan nating bantayan at masigurong madadaanan agad-agad pagkahupa ng bagyo,” said Briones during his meeting with the DRRMT.

Meanwhile, Engr. Glenda G. Dagalea, maintenance chief engineer said that necessary equipments were already prepared for debris clearing operations for falling of trees, landslide and flooding, any time after the storm subsides to ensure that all road sections and bridges will be passable within 24 hours.

“Our Maintenance Point Persons (MPPs) will continuously monitor situations along our national roads and bridges together with our mobile crew to provide immediate assistance in response to the damages that may occur after the typhoon,” said Dagalea.

Typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai) is expected to hit Eastern Visayas on Wednesday afternoon or evening of December 16 affecting Biliran Province with possible heavy rains and strong winds. (DPWH-BDEO)