OCD Cagayan Valley directs prep for possible Typhoon Kristine

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Cagayan Valley has directed the implementation of preparatory measures as a low-pressure area (LPA) east of southeastern Luzon may develop into Typhoon Kristine and cause heavy rainfall.

Following directives from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Regional Director Leon Rafael Jr. issued a memorandum to both the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) in Cagayan Valley.

The OCD emphasized the need for RDRRMCs and LDRRMCs to monitor weather advisories, conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Meetings, and implement preparedness measures detailed in Operation Listo (Alert).

As of Sunday morning, the LPA was located approximately 1,460 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon and is projected to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, with a possibility of reaching typhoon intensity even before landfall.

The OCD also urged RDRRMCs and LDRRMCs to improve risk communication by tailoring messages for better community understanding and to consider pre-emptive evacuations if necessary.