A total of 949 evacuation centers in La Union have been prepared, along with food packs to be distributed to affected residents, while rescue assets and teams are ready for mobilization in anticipation of the effects of Typhoon Paolo (international name Matmo).
Eight rescue teams, each with five members, are also on standby at key locations. Additionally, assets such as ambulances, rescue vehicles, rescue trucks, jet skis, and rubber boats have been inspected and are ready.
La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, in a statement on Friday, said their monitoring continues in coordination with partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure immediate response to any emergencies or incidents.
‘LGUs in the province are now on heightened alert and fully prepared. Their command centers are operational and evacuation centers have been opened,’ he said.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to red alert status after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed the northern parts of La Union under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the remaining areas remain under Signal No. 3.
Based on the weather bureau’s 11 a.m. bulletin, the towns of Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, and San Juan are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the rest of La Union remains under Signal No. 3.
Following the governor’s directive, the PDRRMO held a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Thursday to discuss preparations by various offices and agencies for possible effects of the typhoon.
Ortega on Thursday night announced the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools across the province for Friday. Likewise, government offices will close starting at noon on Friday.
Moreover, the PDRRMO has warned fishermen to refrain from going to sea because waves may reach up to three meters along the coast. People living in flood- and landslide-prone zones are advised to stay alert, prepare accordingly, and evacuate to designated shelters if necessary.
According to the weather bureau, Paolo is expected to move west-northwest and is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.