ARE WE ready for “Auring”? It intensified into a severe tropical storm on Friday as it moved slowly over the eastern part of Mindanao.
On the forecast track, the storm will likely follow a generally northwestward path as it traverses Caraga region, Visayas, and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) on Sunday and Monday.
Let us be reminded to prepare. Since the Philippines is regularly visited by typhoons, we have to heighten our preparedness measures especially that we are now experiencing stronger typhoons due to the changing climate.
Citizens, especially those in areas with public storm warning signals, should regularly monitor weather updates and advisories for evacuation; while disaster preparedness and response agencies should be on alert for emergencies and concerned government departments ready to provide basic needs and relief items for residents in temporary shelters and affected areas.
The Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change, offers safety tips. In areas under Signal No. 3 winds of 101-185 kph are expected. Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away from the coasts and riverbanks. The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all sea crafts and travel is very risky, especially by sea and air.
People should watch out for the passage of the eye of the typhoon, indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair weather immediately after very bad weather. When the eye of the typhoon hits the community, people should not venture away from a safe shelter, because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with very strong winds.
Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings, while disaster preparedness and response agencies are in action with appropriate response to actual emergency.
In areas under Signal No. 2, winds of 61-100 kph are expected. Residents in these areas are warned of coastal waters that are dangerous to small sea crafts. People, especially those travelling by sea and air, are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks and outdoor activities should be postponed. Properties should be secured before the signal is upgraded.
In areas under Signal No. 1, winds of 30-60 kph are expected. Citizens in these areas, especially coastal communities, are warned of waves that may gradually develop and become bigger and higher. They are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin. Business may be carried on as usual except when floods occur.
Better prepared than sorry.
