DILG, NDRRMC to public: Follow evacuation measures against storm

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday reminded localities, especially those in Bicol region and nearby areas, to implement the necessary protocols in preparation for Tropical Storm Ulysses.

In a press statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año advised the public to follow the preemptive evacuation that will be imposed by their local chief executives, especially those residing in low-lying areas.

"The DILG, together with the rest of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, expect the citizens’ participation, cooperation and discipline as we prepare for the advert effects Ulysses may bring," Año said.

Año stressed that LGUs are ordered to establish critical preparedness actions and carry out Operation Listo protocols and implement DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-125 - LISTO SA TAG-ULAN AT COVID-19: Preparedness Measures of LGUs for the Rainy Season CY 2020 as well as to prioritize the prepositioning of supplies, equipment and personnel for immediate response.

Also, the DILG chief said LGUs should activate their respective barangay disaster councils for early warning measures and vigilant monitoring of areas susceptible to flood and storm surges.

"Persistent information dissemination using all media platforms are also encouraged to ensure that the public is updated," Año said.

"These, among others, are the immediate actions that LGUs should carry out as we again reiterate that local chief executives who will be reported to be missing in action during a typhoon will be made accountable," he added.

For its part, the NDRRMC called on residents to remain connected with local officials in their areas regarding preemptive evacuation measures.

"Sumunod sa ipapatupad na evacuation ng inyong barangay, munisipyo o siyudad. Makipag-ugnayan at alamin sa lokal na pamahalaan kung saan ligtas na lumikas," the NDRRMC said.

"Lahat ay pinag-iingat, maging mapagmatyag at ingatan ang sarili at pamilya," it added.

Likewise, the NDRRMC advised LGUs to ensure the proper dissemination of information about Ulysses in their respective communities.

"Magbigay babala gamit ang iba't-ibang paraan tulad ng bandilyo at pagbabahay-bahay para sa agad na kaalaman ng buong pamayanan," the NDRRMC said.

"Isagawa ang maagap at angkop na kahandaan kaakibat ang mga tinakdang pag-iingat laban sa COVID-19," it said.

According to PAGASA, Ulysses has slowed down over the Philippine Sea while maintaining its strength.

Ulysses' eye is forecast to make landfall over Polillo Islands and mainland Quezon between tonight and early Thursday morning. —LBG, GMA News