PBBM orders sustained rescue, relief ops amid new storm threat

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered continuous rescue and relief operations for areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, even as a new tropical storm hovers outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

He emphasized that aid delivery and support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to displaced individuals must not stop, regardless of approaching weather disturbances.

The President directed relevant government agencies to maintain uninterrupted delivery of aid and ensure constant monitoring of affected areas.

PAGASA reported that the tropical storm previously outside the PAR intensified, and Kristine might re-enter the PAR and potentially interact with the new storm, possibly causing a Fujiwhara effect.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. indicated that Kristine could remain within the PAR for up to another week.

President Marcos stressed the need for proactive measures against potential impacts of Kristine and other approaching weather disturbances.