NDRRMC to raise blue alert for Usman on Thursday; residents in landslide-prone areas warned

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has urged local government units to warn residents in landslide-prone areas and ensure that preparedness measures are in place for the possible effects of Tropical Depression Usman.

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report by Divine Reyes on Wednesday, the agency will raise its alert status from "white" to "blue" by 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

The blue alert level means NDRRMC personnel will monitor the possible effects of the weather and ensure swift coordination among concerned agencies. 

NDRRMC executive director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Ricardo Jalad issued the press release after a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Wednesday.

The NDRRMC identified the areas where landslides may occur as a result of the weather condition.  These are in Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, eastern Samar and northern Samar.

Citing information from PAGASA, Usman slightly intensified on Wednesday afternoon and may develop into a Tropical Storm before it makes an expected landfall over eastern Samar on Friday.   

According to the NDRRMC, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has already issued warning and advisories to LGUs. The NDRRMC also noted efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other member-agencies in stockpiling food and non-food items worth P1,279,393,332.91 intended for affected residents. —Margaret Claire Layug/ LDF, GMA News