DILG reminds LGUs to review disaster preparedness plan

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) alerted the local executives to review their disaster preparedness programs to ensure the safety of their constituents during the rainy season.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said the local government units (LGUs) especially the governors, mayors and barangay captains should initiate the preparation, review and the updating of the current contingency plans against “hydro-meteorological hazards” and to ensure their communities are disaster-ready.

He said the LGUs should coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Offices to check reliability of all Early Warning Systems (EWS) such as automated rain gauges, water level stations and other local EWS within their area of responsibility.

He noted that the local government officials are responsible in convening their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and conduct pre-disaster risk assessments especially in areas with high susceptibility to floods, flash floods, rain-induced landslides and debris flow.

“The safety of people tomorrow relies on what we do today. Make use of times of sunshine to mitigate risks of times of severe downpour,” said Año.

“Our country has gone through deadly natural disasters. Whilst we prove to be a resilient nation, it’s time to aim for milestones in disaster preparedness involving the national and local governments, the private sector, and the people,” he added

He said that achieving zero-casualty or no deaths during natural calamities is the ultimate barometer of an effective disaster preparedness plan.

Reminding that LGUs must have designated evacuation centers complete with water supply, power, and health and sanitation facilities and their locations made known or communicated to households, Año said the local governments may utilize the 70 percent of their LDRRM Fund for their disaster preparedness and risk management activities.

“Always be guided with the DILG Operation Listo manuals that provide set of minimum progressive response actions before, during and after a typhoon,” he said. (SunStar Philippines)

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