Bulacan prepares for Tropical Storm “Paeng”
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by Acting Governor and OIC-PDRRMC Chairman Alexis C. Castro conducted an emergency meeting in preparation for the landfall of tropical storm “Paeng” held at the Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here this afternoon.
According to PDRRMO Head Felicisima L. Mungcal, the province is at Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 2 under red alert which requires immediate action for the affected areas especially those who are in low-lying areas and those who live near the coastal areas.
The PDRRMO has also coordinated with their city/municipal counterparts regarding the hazards that may occur in their respective areas including the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliwag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Hagonoy and Paombong which will be affected by dam releases; towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong and Pulilan which will be affected by possible back flooding.
The towns of Santa Maria, Bocaue, Marilao, Obando, Bulakan, Balagtas, San Miguel and San Ildefonso, the Cities of San Jose Del Monte and Meycauan will also be affected by possible flash flood; storm surges on the towns of Bulakan, Hagonoy, Obando, Paombong and City of Malolos while the towns of Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Norzagaray, Pandi, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, San Rafael, Santa Maria and the Cities of San Jose Del Monte and Meycauayan for rain-induced landslide.
Via Zoom conferencing, Fernando pleaded to Meralco not to cut the supply of power in the province unless the situation requires to.
“Isinama po natin ang Meralco sa ating emergency meeting para iinform sila at makiusap sa kanila na sana bigyan ng service ang Bulacan. Kung kailangan mag shut-down, mag shut-down na at huwag gawing patay-sindi ang kurytente lalo na sa mga lugar na may tubig na. Nakikiusap po ako na sana maiwasan magkaroon din ng mga live wires; kailangan bantayan ang mga puno, ang mga debris. Hopefully, lumihis itong bagyo at ipanalangin natin sa Diyos na ito ay humina at mabasag na,” the governor pleaded.
He also reminded the rescuers to be careful at all times and to look after one another and maximize their skills but try to avoid going to out of reach areas if possible.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rowena J. Tiongson also announced the activation of the Evacuation Center Management Team at the Bulacan Sports Complex; prepositioning of a total of 1,000 family food packs and 600 non-food items from the PGB; 200 FFP and 200 non-food items from DSWD.
Provincial Agriculturist Gloria SF. Carillio also said that they have coordinated with the local agriculture offices to advise farmers who are likely to be affected to conduct immediate harvesting of harvestable rice fields before the landfall.
As of 5:00 PM today, the center of the tropical storm is located at 180 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.4 °N, 126.3 °E), moving West Northwestward at 25 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h. ###