OCD urges extra precautions in Albay amid storm Ada and Mayon unrest

The Office of Civil Defense on Friday said more precautions are needed in Albay due to the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano and Tropical Storm Ada (international name: Nokaen).

"Given the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay, additional measures are needed, as Tropical Storm 'Ada' may exacerbate the emergency situation in the province," Civil Defense Administrator and Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said Friday night.

"Various government agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense, have conducted Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and activated preparedness measures in anticipation of the tropical cyclone's impact. Local government units in affected areas have been alerted to implement necessary actions immediately," he added.

"Everyone is advised to take precautions. Mag-ingat po ang lahat (Take precautions, everyone)," Cabreros said.

Cabreros also urged the public to be prepared, heed authorities' warnings, and monitor the weather updates.

"The first tropical cyclone of the year, named 'Ada', is currently affecting many parts of our country, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. PAGASA forecasts that it may make landfall over the Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region. Localities outside the potential landfall area may still experience heavy rainfall and severe winds, according to the weather bureau," he said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Saturday, PAGASA said Ada has further intensified while over the waters east of the Bicol Region.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over the following areas:

• the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Ocampo, Baao, Nabua, Bato, Iriga City, Buhi, Sagñay, Tigaon, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan, Milaor, Camaligan, Pili, Magarao, Minalabac, Balatan, Naga City, Calabanga, Bombon, Bula, Canaman, Gainza)
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon 
• Northern Samar
• the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Maslog, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche)
• the northeastern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan)

Under Signal No. 1 are the following areas:

• the eastern portion of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Lopez, Calauag, Buenavista, San Narciso, San Andres, San Francisco, Mulanay, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon, Gumaca, Pitogo, Unisan, Atimonan, Plaridel, Agdangan, Padre Burgos, Quezon, Alabat, Perez) including Polillo Islands
• Marinduque
• Camarines Norte
• the rest of Camarines Sur
• Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands 
• the rest of Eastern Samar
• the rest of Samar
• Biliran
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte
• the northern portion of Cebu (Medellin, Daanbantayan, San Remigio, City of Bogo, Tabogon) including Camotes and Bantayan Islands 

At 4 a.m., the center of Ada was located 120 km east northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar or 175 km east of Juban, Sorsogon. It has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 105 km/h.

Moving west northwestward at 20 km/h, Ada is expected to pass near Catanduanes between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, classes on Saturday were suspended in some areas due to the inclement weather from Ada. —KG, GMA Integrated News