PLDT, Smart assure availability of services amid Auring threat

PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications have assured the availability of their services amid the threat of Tropical Storm Auring.  

Earlier today, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council urged residents of flood and landslides-prone areas in Mimaropa, the Visayan Islands, and Eastern Mindanao to prepare for a stormy weekend.
 
Smart said it had activated its Libreng Tawag (free call), Charging (free charging), and Wi-Fi stations in Mindanao, “ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice,” and sent satellite phones to Samar and Panay ahead of Auring’s landfall. 
 
“Both companies have also prepositioned personnel, network equipment, and resources to ensure the resilience of services, and if needed, the quick restoration of communication in areas that will be impacted by #AuringPH,” said the companies’ joint press release.

According to Pagasa, light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains may prevail over Eastern and Central Visayas, the rest of Northern Mindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, and Davao City.

The same may prevail over Caraga, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte until Friday evening, while moderate to intense rains are expected over these areas on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the weather agency said Auring is expected to make landfall over the eastern coast of the Caraga on Sunday morning. – RC, GMA News