AURORA UNDER BLUE ALERT. Aurora province will be placed under Blue Alert status starting October 21 as authorities intensify preparations for the possible impact of Super Typhoon Rosal. The Philippine Coast Guard has also temporarily suspended all sea voyages within its area of responsibility due to dangerous sea conditions. Residents are urged to follow official advisories and take precautionary measures. (Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora — Aurora province will be placed under Blue Alert status on October 21 as disaster officials step up preparations for the possible impact of Super Typhoon Rosal, while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended all sea voyages to prevent maritime accidents amid dangerous weather conditions.
The measures followed a pre-disaster risk assessment and scenario-building meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on October 20 at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s Emergency Operations Center in Barangay Suklayin, Baler.
Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay, representing Gov. Isidro P. Galban, led the meeting with Assistant Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Leandro M. Dungca Jr., representing Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue.
DOST-PAGASA Baler Chief Armando D. Avenilla Jr. presented the weather outlook and warned of potential hazards, particularly dangerous sea conditions and strong wind gusts.
Under the heightened alert, government agencies are coordinating preparations for relief supplies, health services, evacuation centers, logistics, communications, law enforcement, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and search-and-rescue operations.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of Dipaculao and Maria Aurora reported their readiness measures, while other municipalities were also preparing for the possible effects of the typhoon.
Officials also discussed the possible suspension of selected activities for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the Provincial Youth Development Office’s Linggo ng Kabataan, depending on prevailing conditions.
PDRRMC member agencies were directed to submit their preparedness plans, resource inventories and situational reports to the provincial disaster office. Designated personnel will also begin duty at the Emergency Operations Center on October 21 for continuous monitoring and coordination.
Coast Guard halts sea voyages
In a separate advisory issued on October 20, Coast Guard Station Aurora ordered the temporary suspension of voyages by all motor bancas and other vessels, regardless of type or tonnage, within its area of responsibility.
The measure aims to prevent maritime accidents as Rosal moves closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Based on PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 10 issued at 11 a.m. on October 20, Rosal was located about 1,385 kilometers east of Central Luzon, outside the PAR, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 230 kph. It was moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.
Vessels seeking shelter within the Coast Guard’s area of responsibility may be allowed entry upon submission of a written request before arrival. However, they are prohibited from carrying passengers or cargo while proceeding to or remaining in the designated shelter area.
Authorities urged residents, particularly those in coastal and other hazard-prone communities, to monitor official advisories and take precautionary measures.
The provincial government and partner agencies said they would maintain close coordination and prioritize early preparation to protect lives and livelihoods, with the goal of preventing casualties. (Jason de Asis)