Duterte monitoring Tropical Depression Vicky situation —Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte is on top of efforts in monitoring the adverse effects of heavy rains and flooding brought about by Tropical Depression Vicky, Malacañang said Saturday.

“The Chief Executive continues to monitor Tropical Depression Vicky as concerned agencies of the government assist areas that are on its track and provide rescue and relief operations to affected residents,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Residents of Agusan del Sur took to social media to ask for help after floods hit

Several areas in Mindanao also experienced flooding due to heavy rain. 

On Saturday morning, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over seven areas due to Vicky. 

The cyclone signal is in effect over the following areas:

Luzon

• northern and central portions of Palawan (Araceli, Dumaran, Taytay, El Nido, San Vicente, Roxas, Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Sofronio Espanola) including Calamian, Cuyo, Cagayancillo, and Kalayaan Islands

Visayas

• Negros Oriental

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central and southern portions of Negros Occidental (Bacolod City, La Castellana, Murcia, La Carlota City, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Ilog, Candoni, Sipalay City, Hinoba-An, Cauayan)

• Guimaras

southern portion of Iloilo (Dumangas, Zarraga, New Lucena, Cabatuan, Maasin, Leganes, Santa Barbara, Pavia, Iloilo City, Oton, San Miguel, Alimodian, Leon, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, San Joaquin)

southern portion of Antique (Anini-Y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, Sibalom, San Jose, San Remigio, Patnongon, Belison, Valderrama)

Mindanao

• central portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Siayan, Manukan, Jose Dalman, Sindangan, Bacungan, Godod, Liloy, Salug, Tampilisan, Kalawit, Labason, Gutalac, Baliguian, Siocon, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas) and the western portion of Zamboanga Sibugay (Tungawan, Roseller Lim, Titay, Ipil, Naga, Kabasalan)

“We laud the local government units (LGUs) of the affected areas for their timely pro-active preparation as well as their readiness in responding to the effects of the TD Vicky in their localities,” Roque said.

“As of December 18, 2020, 6 p.m., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office (CO), Field Offices (FOs), and National Resource Operations Center (NROC) have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P779,958,349.25, including a total of 230,191 family food packs (FFPs),” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) prepositioned drugs and medicines in affected regional and provincial DOH offices, according to the Palace official.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) prepositioned teams are now on scene already conducting clearing operations,” Roque said.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already deployed 1,590 Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel, as of December 19, 2020 6 a.m,” he added.

Roque urged the public, especially those in affected areas to stay calm, remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate in case local authorities advise them to do so.

“Regularly monitor government advisories and weather updates for more information,” he said. —LBG, GMA News