Bulacan holds pre-disaster risk assessment to intensify its disaster preparedness for TS Karen
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by its chairman, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) for Tropical Storm Karen during the PDRRMC emergency meeting held this morning at the Conference Room of the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) in this city.
Alvarado has instructed PDRRMO Head Felicisima Mungcal to coordinate and advise all the municipalities, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police Office, different rescue teams and other concerned agencies in the province to be vigilant, prepared and establish constant communication with the PDDRMO to jointly and safely overcome the expected onslaught of Typhoon Karen this weekend.
The governor also advised the heads of the PGB departments and other concerned agencies to standby at the Bulacan Incident Command System to attend to rescue and relief operations if needed.
He also specifically instructed the heads of the Provincial Social Worker and Development Office and the Bulacan Medical Center-Provincial Public Health Office to prepare relief goods and other basic necessities like blankets, bottled water, mats, enough supply of medicines and vaccines among others.
Meanwhile, Dr. Protacio Bajao, head of the BMC, told the governor that they will have to procure anti-snake venom vaccines since they are already out of supplies. He added that during typhoons, many people, especially those from flood stricken areas, are getting bitten by snakes.
“We are aiming for zero casualties here and we are praying that the typhoon will slow down and spare our province, but nevertheless, we must always be ready when it comes,” Alvarado said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Darwin David was also present during the emergency meeting to discuss the Operation LISTO, its new disaster preparedness protocols for LGUs.
Mungcal also briefed the officials of the Bulacan Provincial Police, Philippine Army and different rescue units and volunteers regarding the rescue operations to be conducted when TS Karen hits Bulacan. She also identified flood prone areas where rescue teams will be deployed pre-deployed prior the onslaught of the tropical storm.
As of 8 a.m. today, the water level at Angat dam was 195.97 meters (still way below its spilling level of 210 meters). The water elevation at Ipo dam was 99.93 meters (spilling level 101 meters) while the water level at Bustos dam was 17.34 meters (spilling level 17. 34 meters).