DSWD on 'blue alert' in preparation for Typhoon Obet

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Disaster Response Command Center on Monday said it has been placed under ‘Blue Alert’ status in preparation for Typhoon Obet.

As of 1:20 p.m. on Monday, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Typhoon Obet (international name Saudel) has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency’s alert is a downgrade from Red Alert, after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council lowered the status through a memorandum effective August 20 at 6:00 p.m.

“Bagama’t may pagbaba sa alert status, patuloy pa rin ang pagbabantay at koordinasyon ng DSWD sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga lokal na pamahalaan na nangangailangan ng tulong dahil sa mga nagdaang bagyo at Enhanced Habagat,” Dumlao said in a statement to media.

(Although there has been a reduction in the alert status, the DSWD continues its monitoring and coordination with various government agencies and local government units that require assistance due to previous typhoons and the Enhanced Southwest Monsoon.)

Dumlao added the DSWD is ready to respond to any possible effects of the new weather disturbance, which at the time of issuance was outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Handa rin ang DSWD na tumugon para sa anumang posibleng epekto ng bagong weather disturbance na nasa labas ng PAR,” she added.

(The DSWD is also ready to respond to any possible impact from the new weather disturbance located outside PAR.)

The DSWD said it has more than 3.7 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) in strategic hubs, spokes, and last-mile areas nationwide, listing the following stockpiles:

• Over 369,000 boxes of FFPs at the Luzon Disaster Resource Center (LDRC) in Pasay City
• Over 512,000 boxes of FFPs in the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City
• Over 174,000 boxes of FFPs at the Mindanao Disaster Resource Center (MDRC) in Butuan City

Standby funds amounting to over P667 million are also available, according to the agency, ready to be utilized for possible disaster response operations.

Dumlao advised the public to remain prepared and vigilant against the possible effects of flooding and landslides due to incessant heavy rains brought by various weather systems.

“Hinihikayat namin ang publiko na manatiling handa at makinig sa mga abiso at tagubilin ng kanilang mga lokal na opisyal upang maiwasan ang anumang hindi inaasahang insidente na maaaring idulot ng masamang panahon,” Dumalo said.

(We encourage the public to stay prepared and listen to the advisories and instructions of their local officials to avoid any unforeseen incidents that may be caused by the bad weather.) —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News