NDRRMC declares 'red alert' for Tropical Storm Kristine, affecting 7 regions

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has declared a 'red alert' status in response to Tropical Storm Kristine, requiring all agency personnel to remain on standby for potential calamities.

Seven regions are under the highest emergency protocol ('Charlie'), including Cagillera Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Eastern Visayas, indicating severe risk from Tropical Storm Kristine.

The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has reiterated its call for sustained heightened alert as the storm slightly accelerated, advising all concerned to monitor activities closely and submit preparedness actions.

Local government units have been advised to suspend classes in affected areas, while the Philippine Ports Authority reported over 3,000 passengers stranded across six managed ports due to canceled sea trips; additionally, Iloilo city has canceled all inter-island trips from Iloilo to Manila, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and vice-versa.

As of Wednesday morning, 880 villages in the Cordillera were susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding; local DRRMCs are directed to maximize disaster preparedness activities and enforce preemptive evacuations in areas prone to these hazards.