DOH urges public to prepare for Typhoon Mawar

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised Filipinos to prepare for the tropical storm that could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late this week and possibly develop into a super typhoon.

In an advisory, the DOH said that its Health Emergency Management Bureau Operation Center is monitoring the possible effects of Typhoon Mawar (international name) in the country.

“In anticipation of the progress of this Tropical Storm, the DOH advises the public to prepare and report any untoward incident that may later be related to this weather disturbance,” the agency said.

The DOH also encouraged the public to contact their respective local disaster and emergency risk team for assistance in case of emergency.

As part of preparations for the incoming storm, the DOH advised the public to prepare an emergency go bag that includes ready-to-eat food, clothes, first aid kit, tools, sleeping bags, and COVID-19 protection kit, among others.

The public was also urged to prepare their homes for possible flooding; understand signs of emergency; and get ready in case evacuation is necessary.

According to state weather bureau PAGASA, the tropical storm would be called Betty should it enter the PAR by Friday or Saturday. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News