TD Caloy affects areas in Caraga region, DRRMC alerted - Philippine Information Agency

By: Venus L. Garcia

Butuan City, Mar. 22 (PIA) – The current tropical depression (TD) “Caloy” that raised storm signal no. 1 in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, including Siargao and Dinagat islands has prompted the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) to stay on alert for immediate disaster response.

All heavy equipment, office vehicles and rescue mobiles of Surigao City are now on standby at the city’s command center per directive of officer-in-charge vice-mayor Danilo Menor. Likewise, the members of the CDRRMC are on call and advised to monitor the weather updates and actual situation in the area.

Menor has recommended the suspension of classes in the preschool yesterday.

Meantime, the central command post is now ready for any emergency calls and rescue operations, said city public information officer Annette Villaces.

According also to Mary Jul Escalante, public information officer of Surigao del Norte, the provincial PDRRMC has already advised all fisherfolks not to venture out into the sea to avoid untoward incidents to happen as the province is still placed in threatening storm signal.

She said, “communities in flood and landslide prone areas are urged to be vigilant, while the city and municipal DRRMCs are also advised to convene their council to take precautionary measures as we aimed for zero casualty.”

Information from Dinagat Islands DRRMC also revealed cancellation of all trips from Dinagat to Surigao City since noontime Friday as big waves and heavy rains made elements of danger.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to take appropriate actions and pre-emptive evacuation.

The Search for Emergency Response Team of Surigao del Sur (SERTSS) as well is manning the operation center 24/7. The Tago river is closely monitored by them as of this time.

Based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather bulletin issued at 5:00am today, TD “Caloy” has slowed down as it maintains its strength. It was estimated at 15 km East of Surigao City with maximum winds of 45 kph near the center.

The provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur will have rains with gusty winds and moderate to rough seas. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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