MANILA, (PNA) — Concerned government agencies have already mobilized their personnel for clearing operations on roads affected by typhoon “Vinta” in some parts of Northern Philippines, a Palace official said on Friday.
In a phone-patch interview with the media, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said necessary contingency measures are now in place to mitigate the impact of the typhoon which was about to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Friday afternoon.
Valte said the Department of Public Works and Highways, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units have deployed their personnel to clear debris on the roads in Ilocos Norte.
“Ang projection po ng PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration) ay mamaya daw pong hapon ay wala na ito sa Philippine Area of Responsibility, at sa katunayan Signal Number 1 na lang po as of 10:45 a.m. this morning ang nakataas sa Ilocos Norte, sa Apayao, sa Abra, at sa Ilocos Norte,” Valte said.
Valte said the government, through various concerned agencies, have already pre-positioned all available resources in terms of manpower response teams, equipment, rescue assets, and relief goods.
“Ang report ng NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) ay wala naman daw pong confirmed casualties reported as of 6 a.m. Ngunit meron po tayong kabuuan ng 113 families or 382 persons na apektado sa dalawang municipality sa Region 2 at na-evacuate naman sila sa Gonzaga People’s Gym at doon sa legislative building ng LGU, kung saan naman sila kinakalinga nang mga kasamahan natin sa pamahalaang lokal,” Valte said.