NDRRMC urges areas in Visayas, Mindanao to prepare for Tropical Storm Odette

Local disaster units and residents in the predicted path of Tropical Storm Odette are urged to prepare for its potential impact this week.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is coordinating with regional counterparts to ensure the safety of residents and to prepare immediate actions for the storm's effects.

NDRRMC has identified over 10,000 barangays in the Visayas and Mindanao, and some areas in Southern Luzon as likely to be affected by Odette.

LGUs in areas within the storm's path may order preemptive evacuations if they see imminent risks, even before the storm hits.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Severe Tropical Storm Rai, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kph and gustiness of up to 125 kph, was seen 1,000 kilometers east of Mindanao and continues to affect Caraga.

Local government units in Caraga Region have activated their local disaster risk reduction offices and emergency operations centers, with some implementing no-sailing policies and work suspensions.

Residents in affected areas are advised to heed all safety warnings and take necessary precautions as issued by authorities.

PAGASA forecasts that Tropical Storm Odette is expected to make landfall by Thursday afternoon or evening, potentially hitting the Eastern Visayas and Caraga regions.