LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan is preparing for yet another storm “Ramil” (international name: Lupit) which is expected to give north Luzon more scattered rain showers.

The Philippine Atmospheric, and Geophysical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Saturday that the storm will have winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) with gustiness of 160 kilometers per hour.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Fongwan directed local chief executives to advise residents to prepare for the possible onslaught of the new storm.

The governor said families living in high-risk areas evacuate their homes early, before the storm hits.

The province is still recovering from damages brought by the recent typhoon which has cost billions in damages and claimed over 300 lives.

Preparations for temporary to permanent housing are being studied by the province, including proposals to create a tent city at the landfill area of the Benguet State University.

“We are working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau for safe sites for the homeless,” Fongwan said.

Meanwhile, support has come from local and foreign sources, including United Nations Humanitarian Air Service which managed to have a large helicopter carrying relief goods land at the Benguet State University Thursday.

But the chopper, whose crew distributed relief goods in Mankayan town, could not enter Buguias town due to thick fog.

Fongwan said he is hoping the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) can open Halsema Highway the soonest possible time so supplies can be transported by land.

Naguilian road is temporarily open but only for light vehicles due to a bus which encountered trouble and has to be towed, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported.

The road will be open to all types of vehicles anytime Saturday, Fongwan said. (Ma. Elena Catajan)