By Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has issued an advisory warning residents of potential disasters as Tropical Storm Queenie approaches, threatening regions still recovering from more than 40 days of continuous monsoon rains.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Queenie was located 1,065 km. east of extreme Northern Luzon but is unlikely to affect the country’s weather conditions.
The CDRRMC, however, called on residents to monitor official bulletins from PAGASA and their local DRRM offices as Queenie could enhance the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rains to already vulnerable areas in Baguio City and Benguet.
“Secure loose outdoor items, prepare emergency go-bags, and avoid unnecessary travel,” the council stated in an advisory.
Following a pre-disaster risk analysis on Thursday, Office of Civil Defense and CDRRMC Chairperson, Assistant Regional Director Jose Ignacio Valera, recommended heightened monitoring of flood- and landslide-prone zones.
The continuous rains from August through September have saturated mountain soils, triggered numerous landslides, left several individuals missing, and claimed 13 lives across the region.
Authorities warned that communities downstream of major river channels remain at high risk for sudden flooding, regardless of direct rainfall intensity.
“Areas downstream of major river channels may also be affected by flooding, even if not specifically listed,” the CDRRMC said.
To prevent further casualties, local government units have been directed to take immediate safety actions.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) encouraged local government units to use their hazard maps as a guide in decision-making to ensure the safety of their constituents.
The MGB also directed all local DRRMs to suspend mining activities, especially entering mine sites, during rainy days.
