AS THE province experiences rains anew after the onslaught of Typhoons Jolina and Kiko in Central Luzon and Pampanga, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has prepared evacuation centers in low-lying areas in case floodwaters rise.
PDRRMO Chief Angie Blanco said she already met with local DRRM officers as early as Wednesday morning, September 8, 2021, to discuss and coordinate the measures that were needed to be implemented.
"We have prepositioned our monitoring systems and equipment ahead of the expected onslaught of Typhoons Jolina and Kiko," Blanco said on Wednesday.
Aside from the regular preparation, Blanco said the province is facing a bigger challenge in ensuring the safety of flood-affected residents due to the threat of Covid-19.
Blanco said extra precautions are put in place to prevent infection and the spread of the virus among evacuees.
"Prior to everything, I've instructed our local DRRM officers to disinfect the evacuation centers so it will be ready in case it is needed. I've also asked them to make sure that our facilities are set for social distancing," she said.
She also asked local government units to make face masks, face shields and alcohol readily available in evacuation centers for easy access to evacuees.
"In terms of proper hygiene, our evacuation centers all have bathrooms and sinks where they can wash hands anytime," Blanco said.
The PDRRMO chief said they are closely monitoring the coastal areas, particularly fourth district towns and Arayat, for possible flooding especially when floodwaters from upstream descend.
As of Thursday morning, only 13 barangays in Macabebe town were reported to be experiencing flooding due to prolonged rains caused by Typhoon Jolina combined with the high tide.