Pangasinan Prepares for Severe Tropical Storm Carina’s Impact

PANGASINAN — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Pangasinan is ramping up preparations in response to the impending Severe Tropical Storm Carina, as announced by PDRRMO chief, retired Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro, during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.

According to Philippines News Agency, the local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs) have been urged to brace for significant rainfall expected over the next two to three days. “We expect that in the coming two or three days, we will be experiencing heavy rainfall so I ask that we prepare, especially the members of the councils and the first responders,” he stated. This call to action follows the Ilocos Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Emergency Operations Center (RDRRMC1-EOC) elevating the alert status to red and activating the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) protocol to Charlie, signifying a high risk of severe weather impacts.

The red alert status and Charlie EPR protocol are precautionary measures triggered by forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau. PAGASA’s latest bulletin at 11 a.m. placed the center of Severe Tropical Storm Carina at approximately 340 km east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, moving northwestward at a speed of 15 kph. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall, it is likely to intensify the southwest monsoon, affecting the region.

In preparation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development 1 (Ilocos) has stockpiled 42,872 family food packages and 21,692 non-food items, including family kits, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and kitchen kits, for potential relief operations. A total of PHP86.75 million has been allocated to ensure adequate resources are available to address the needs arising from the storm’s impact.