NDRRMC: Bicol on red alert for incoming typhoon, readies Mayon inspection for lahar flow

Disaster management officials in Bicol were placed on red alert, prepositioning relief supplies in preparation for a typhoon approaching the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) placed all council members and support agencies on red alert starting Saturday. "(The RDRRMC in Bicol) will conduct aerial assessment of Mayon Volcano's crater and related river channels to inspect possible lahar flow," it said in its Dec. 2 update. It said the RDRRMC will use military aircraft for the inspections scheduled on Sunday and Monday. Such inspections will also check preparations by the disaster management councils in the provincial level, the NDRRMC said. On Saturday, a report by state-run Philippines News Agency said Albay has put its annual "Karangahan" green Christmas festival on hold due to the coming typhoon. Governor Jose Salceda directed the month-long Karangahan Festival placed “on hold” starting December 4, and ordered preparations for a preemptive evacuation instead. State weather forecasters had said the cyclone, internationally codenamed "Bopha," is likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Monday. Once it does, it will be locally codenamed "Pablo." — LBG, GMA News