PNoy calls for bayanihan amid Yolanda threat

"Sa kasalukuyang datos, mukha pong mas matindi ang hagupit ni Yolanda kaysa kay Pablo. Nagdarasal na lang nga po tayo na dahil sa tulin ng takbo nito, ay hindi na siya pumirmi sa ating mga lalawigan upang gumawa ng mas marami pang pinsala," said Aquino.

 

Yolanda, which has a diameter of around 600 kilometers, is expected to hit the provinces of Samar and Leyte starting Thursday midnight. 

 

The President said it will likewise ravage Masbate, Cebu, Romblon, Mindoro, and Palawan before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday night.

 

But aside from rain, strong winds, lahar, and overflowing rivers, he said the government is also monitoring possible storm surges in 100 areas.

 

"Matindi ang panganib ng storm surge sa Ormoc, Ginayangan Ragay Gulf sa Albay, at Lamon Bay sa Atimonan. Maaaring umabot ng lima hanggang anim na metro ang taas ng alon sa mga lugar na ito," he said.

 

Aquino, however, said the damage that will be caused by Yolanda can be lessened if the public helps the government out.

 

"Magpamalas po sana tayo ng hinahon, lalo na sa pagbili ng ating mga pangunahing bibilhin, at sa paglikas tungo sa mas ligtas na mga lugar," he said.

 

"Makipag-ugnayan at sundin po natin ang awtoridad. Lumikas na po tayo kung alam nating nasa peligro ang ating pook," he added.

 

Aquino specifically advised those wishing to travel by sea to postpone their plans to minimize the danger to themselves and the rescuers.

 

"Marami na po tayong pinagdaanan sa taong ito. Tulungan na po sana natin at huwag nang pahirapan ang ating mga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at kanilang mga personnel," he said.

 

For additional information on the state of their communities, he said the public can go to the PAGASA website.

 

"Seryosong peligro ito, at maaaring mabawasan ang epekto kung gagamitin natin ang impormasyon upang maghanda," he said.

 

On the part of the government, he said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and its local counterparts have been preparing for Yolanda.

 

He also said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Sec. Mar Roxas are already in Leyte to help prepare for Yolanda's landfall.

 

He likewise assured that three C130 planes are "fully mission capable" and will be able to respond to those who need it. Thirty-two Air Force planes and choppers and 20 Navy ships are also on standby, he said.

 

Relief good have also been prepositioned,Aquino said.
 

"Alam nating walang bagyong maaaring magpaluhod sa Pilipino kung tayo’y magba-bayanihan. Nawa’y maging ligtas po ang lahat sa mga susunod na araw," he said. — JDS, GMA News