Typhoon Odette brings Visayas and Mindanao to extreme risk category

Areas in the Visayas and Mindanao are now under "extreme risk category" due to Typhoon Odette's expected onslaught.

The NDRRMC has ordered disaster risk councils in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga to activate the highest emergency protocol, known as Charlie Protocol.

PAGASA forecasts Typhoon Odette to potentially make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Samar on Thursday afternoon or evening.

Charlie Protocol mandates actions such as issuing warning messages, activating DRRMCs to red alert status, submitting periodical situational reports, and mobilizing inter-agency response teams.

Western Visayas provinces including Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, along with Iloilo City, were previously placed on high-risk status and urged to activate preemptive evacuations.

Residents are warned of potential flooding, landslides, and storm surges, with preemptive evacuations strongly advised.

Local leaders are ensuring relief items and rescue teams are ready, with specific advisories for coastal residents to evacuate early.