MANILA -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) was placed on blue alert Friday, September 23, as the country is expecting the entry of Tropical Depression “Helen” to the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday, September 24.
NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad chaired a “Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment” meeting with representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other disaster response agencies.
“The National Council is continuously monitoring the weather system and Blue Alert level status at the NDRRMC Operations Center remains. Regional DRRM Council 2 also remains to be in red alert as early rehabilitation efforts continue in Batanes due to Typhoon Ferdie and in preparation for the effects of Tropical Depression Helen. DSWD has prepositioned 4,000 family food packs in Batanes in anticipation for the needs of communities to be affected,” Jalad said.
Based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (Pagasa) monitoring, the tropical depression, located some 1,840 kilometers east of Luzon, is likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning.
The tropical depression is moving in a west-northwest direction at 35 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph.
By Tuesday morning, September 27, it is anticipated to be close to Itbayat, Batanes.
Tropical Depression Helen may bring stormy weather and gusty winds over most parts of northern Luzon by Sunday, September 25, evening until Tuesday morning.
Pagasa added that Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal will be issued over extreme northern Luzon by Saturday, September 24, afternoon.
While the tropical cyclone is projected to affect areas in extreme northern Luzon, it is likely to enhance southwest monsoon and will bring light to moderate rains in central and southern sections of Luzon, as well as in Western Visayas. (PNA)