Pangasinan under red alert; TCWS No. 2, classes suspended

Tropical Storm Kristine has prompted Pangasinan to be placed under red alert with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in effect.

Seventy percent of search and rescue teams are on standby, as required by the red alert status which mandates half of disaster officials to be ready.

Local government units have suspended afternoon classes ahead of a Luzon-wide suspension order, while an orange rainfall warning is expected by Thursday and Friday with projected rainfall between 7.5mm to 15mm within an hour.

Fishers are advised against setting sail due to forecasted strong waves of 2.5 to 4.5 meters despite no gale warning currently in place.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has prepositioned teams and heavy equipment in strategic areas such as Tayug, Burgos, San Fabian, San Nicolas, and Bugallon towns for potential deployment.

Fifteen rescue teams composed of six members from the PDRRMO, Philippine Army, and Philippine National Police (PNP) are ready for immediate action if needed.