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Gov’t ready to respond to typhoon-hit communities — PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the weekend assured the public of the government's preparedness to respond to communities that Typhoon "Goring" would hit. In a statement posted on his official Twitter account, Marcos said the government is monitoring the typhoon-stricken areas, particularly those situated in Northern Luzon. "Our government is focused on the situation in Northern Luzon which is once again experiencing heavy rain and wind brought by Typhoon #GoringPH," Marcos said. "More than 10,000 DSWD food packs have been prepositioned in the affected areas in the north and our disaster and response units are also on standby if evacuation and rescue operations are required," he added. Marcos said the government would ensure a sufficient supply of food and other non-food items until the typhoon exits the country. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday issued a yellow warning for Cagayan and Isabela province on its 5:00 a.m. bulletin due to Super Typhoon Goring. This alert indicates the potential for flooding and landslides in regions susceptible to such events. The state weather bureau monitored the core of Super Typhoon Goring's eye near the coastal waters of Palanan, Isabela as of 4 a.m. Sunday. The typhoon possesses maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) around its core, accompanied by gusts reaching 230 kph. PAGASA noted the super typhoon to be gradually drifting in a south-southwest direction and could unleash potent typhoon-strength winds extending up to 260 kph from its core. The post Gov’t ready to respond to typhoon-hit communities — PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cagayan braces for ‘Goring’
BAGUIO CITY — The Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday disclosed that the province is on red alert status amid the possible threat of typhoon “Goring.” The CVRDRRMC — through the Memorandum Order 86 series of 2023 — is solidifying preparations in anticipation of the effects of the new weather disturbance. Local DRRM offices were also directed to conduct heightened monitoring in their respective Areas of Responsibility and strictly implement the “no sailing, fishing and swimming” policy in their AORs. All Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils were directed to submit reposts of their preparedness measures and incident monitoring while those who are in the areas not directly affected or are not affected at all are also advised to organize Humanitarian Assistance at Disaster Response Teams ready to extend assistance to the people. Local chief executives in the region were also told to perform their mandate in times of calamities. LDRRMOs are also to conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment or PDRA. State weather bureau PAGASA, meantime, said that Goring continues to intensify as it moves southwestward of the country while another cyclone has been monitored near the Philippine area of responsibility. In its latest weather bulletin, PAGASA said that “Goring” will affect Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and mainland Cagayan, Isabela and the northern portion of Aurora, and Ilocos provinces until Monday noon with forecast rainfall are generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. It also warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days. Meanwhile, the weather bureau said the Southwest Monsoon or habagat will be enhanced by “Goring” and bring occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon beginning tomorrow and over the western portion of Visayas beginning on Sunday. The post Cagayan braces for ‘Goring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGASA: Goring intensifies, another cyclone seen near PAR
Tropical storm “Goring” (Saola) continues to intensify as it moves southwestward of the country, while another cyclone has been monitored near the Philippine area of responsibility. In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Goring” will affect Batanes, Babuyan Islands and mainland Cagayan, Isabela, the northern portion of Aurora and the Ilocos provinces until Monday noon, with forecast rainfall generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that have experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days. The southwest monsoon or "habagat" will be enhanced by “Goring”, bringing occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon beginning tomorrow and over the western portion of Visayas beginning on Sunday. The "Goring"-enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland or mountainous areas exposed to winds: Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Dinagat Islands and most of MIMAROPA and Visayas on Saturday. Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte will still be affected on Sunday. PAGASA said a Coastal Gale Warning is in effect for the coastal waters of Batanes, Babuyan and the northern coast of mainland Cagayan due to strong winds associated with “Goring”, which may cause sea travel to be risky for certain types or tonnage of vessels. Meanwhile, “Goring” is forecast to move south southwestward or southward over the waters east of Northern Luzon until Saturday evening. Then it turns generally south or southeastward for the rest of tomorrow through Sunday afternoon. Afterward, the tropical cyclone will loop northward before turning to the northwest on Tuesday towards Luzon Strait. PAGASA said “Goring” is forecast to rapidly intensify and may reach typhoon category by Saturday. The center of “Goring” was estimated based on all available data at 225 km east southeast of Basco, Batanes, or 270 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan, and moving slowly toward southwestward with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.1 remains hoisted over Batanes, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Camiguin Island), the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca) and northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan). PAGASA likewise said another tropical cyclone has been spotted outside PAR, with the international name Tropical Storm “Damrey”. It was estimated at 3,065 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. “Damrey” is packing 65 kph winds and gusts of up to 80 kph as it moves toward east northeast at 35 km/h. The post PAGASA: Goring intensifies, another cyclone seen near PAR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGASA: 2-3 cyclones may enter or develop inside PAR in August
Around two or three tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop inside the Philippine area of responsibility within this month, according to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. These cyclones will either make landfall and cross the Philippines, or “recurve” and do not make landfall. In the latest PAGASA weather bulletin, the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will still bring significant rains over the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands, in the next three days. PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides may be experienced in the affected communities. The state weather bureau said the next tropical cyclones will be given the local names of Goring, Hanna and Ineng. It is projecting "near-normal" rainfall for most of the Philippines between August and September, with a "higher probability of near to above-normal rainfall throughout the country.” In August, PAGASA said four common climatological tracks occur, including the recurving toward the northern part of PAR (non-landfalling) or Japan, enhancing the effect of the southwest monsoon, or “habagat”; recurving toward the northwestern part of PAR (non-landfalling) or Taiwan, strengthening "habagat’s" effect; landfalling and traversing the extreme northern islands of the Philippines, then moving toward Hong Kong or Vietnam; and landfalling or traversing the northern parts of Luzon, then moving toward Vietnam. The Philippines is so far hit by tropical cyclones Amang, Betty, Chedeng, Dodong, Egay and the latest was Falcon. The post PAGASA: 2-3 cyclones may enter or develop inside PAR in August appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Agri sector damage due to ‘Egay’ reaches P1.94 billion – DA
The damage to the agricultural sector due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay has now reached P1.94 billion mark, the Department of Agriculture reported on Monday, 31 July. In its Bulletin No.9, the DA said that damage and losses in the agricultural and fishery sector now amounted to P1.94 billion affecting 123,274 farmers and fisherfolk. The data is based on the assessment of DA Regional Field Offices in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga. The total volume of production loss was pegged at 86,975 metric tons (MT) and 147,063 hectares of agricultural areas. The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries, as well as farm and fishery infrastructures, and fishing paraphernalia. The DA said additional damage and losses are also expected in areas affected by the continuous rain and strong winds brought by the super typhoon. The post Agri sector damage due to ‘Egay’ reaches P1.94 billion – DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legarda seeks support over P1-B ‘Egay’ damages
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda calls for support for the country’s agriculture sector after typhoon “Egay” left over P1 billion worth of damages in agricultural products. In its situation bulletin issued 2 p.m. Saturday, the Department of Agriculture or DA reported that typhoon “Egay” has left P1.36 billion worth of damage to agriculture, with a volume of production loss of 62,259 metric tons, affecting 98,969 hectares of agricultural land and 91,268 farmers. Affected farms included those planted with rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry. Fishermen were also displaced. The increase in the value of damages is due to the updated reports from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Western Visayas. Antique, Legarda’s home province, has sustained P5.5 million losses in rice crops due to the typhoon, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture said Friday. Do better “We need to do better in helping our farmers deal with typhoons and other disasters. Our efforts need to be crop-specific, site-level, and continuous. We also need to look at systemic and ecosystem-based resilience measures,” she remarked, adding that the ecosystem damage, perennially unaccounted for in disasters, contributes to lessening the sector’s capacity to rebound from disasters. Legarda said that while the government is always ready to provide emergency relief assistance for farmers, they need help with resilient varieties to plant, advice on better timing, and ecosystem-based protections like windbreaks and watersheds. She strongly supports technological advancements and science-based analysis as a key method to develop a modern, resilient, and sustainable agriculture industry to provide the most appropriate, specific, and well-directed support pre- and post-disaster. The post Legarda seeks support over P1-B ‘Egay’ damages appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Egay’s agri damage reached P1-B — DA
The Department of Agriculture on Saturday reported that damages to agri-products now reached the P1-billion mark. On its Bulletin No. 7 issued at 2:00 p.m. on 29 July 2023, the DA said the damage and losses brought by “Egay” have increased from P512.9 million to P1.36 billion with a volume of production loss of 62,259 metric tons, affecting 98,969 hectares of agricultural land and 91,268 farmers. The increase is due to the updated reports from Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Central Luzon. The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries. Damage was also incurred in agricultural facilities and fishing paraphernalia. The following assistance is available for distribution to affected farmers and fishers: A total of 111,873 bags of rice seeds, 14,426 bags of corn, and 2,582 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds from the regions affected by "Egay" (CAR, Regions I II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VI, and XIII); Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings assistance to affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with a loanable amount of up to PhP 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas. The post Egay’s agri damage reached P1-B — DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA: 2k farmers affected by ‘Egay’, over P53M in agri damage
The Department of Agriculture on Thursday reported that damage and losses to agricultural products in regions ravaged by super typhoon "Egay" have already reached over P53 million, with over 2,000 farmers affected as of 27 July 2023. In its Bulletin No. 4, DA said the volume of production loss is at 1,871 metric tons, covering 3,185 hectares of agricultural areas and commodities such as rice, corn, livestock and poultry. The assessment was made by the DA regional field offices in CAR, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Region XIII. As of Thursday, the DA said the following assistance is available for distribution to affected farmers and fishers: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings for affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas. The post DA: 2k farmers affected by ‘Egay’, over P53M in agri damage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Egay , habagat affect over 7,000 Filipinos — NDRRMC
The NDRRMC said in its bulletin that the two weather disturbances have affected 7,662 individuals from Western Visayas. Of those, 1,154 people fled their homes. .....»»
Dodong , habagat affect over 1,600 Filipinos — NDRRMC
The NDRRMC said in its bulletin that the two weather disturbances have affected 1,638 individuals from Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas......»»
‘Dodong’ affects over 1,600 people nationwide
The effects of tropical storm "Dodong" (known internationally as Talim) and the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," impacted more than 1,600 people nationwide, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday. In its 8:00 a.m. bulletin, Dodong and its effects on Habagat have so far affected 1,638 people, or 491 families, and forced 1,508 people to move from their homes in Regions 1 (Ilocos), Region 3 (Central Luzon), Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and the National Capital Region. Over 1,400 people who had to leave their homes were relocated to 36 relief centers in the affected areas. NDRRMC also said that the weather affected 26 roads, four bridge parts, and 24 seaports. The inclement weather also caused class suspensions in 66 cities and municipalities, 23 canceled seaport trips, and water and power supply interruptions in several areas. The agency said that local government units across the country and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have given out P267,338.84 to help those Filipinos affected by the typhoon. Earlier, the state weather bureau said that Dodong or Talim was last seen 390 kilometers (km) west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, moving 20 km per hour with maximum steady winds of 85 kph and gusts of up to 105 kph. But it also said that Dodong's changes to the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," will make it rain in most of the country. For context, Dodong left the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday afternoon. PAGASA said in its weather report that the southwest monsoon will continue to bring rain to many parts of the country on Sunday. The post ‘Dodong’ affects over 1,600 people nationwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indefinite water cuts loom, Maynilad says
The scheduled water service interruptions across more than half a million households supplied by west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. will be indefinite due to the depleting water supply as El Niño hits. At a press briefing on Monday, Maynilad Water Supply Operations Head Ronald Padua confirmed that service disruptions, which will last for nine to 11 hours, or between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. or 6 a.m., will start on Wednesday, 12 July. The affected areas are the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Quezon City. “I cannot answer yet the question about when we will experience these interruptions. Hopefully, there will be some rain at the Ipo watershed,” Padua told reporters. “Ipo dam has only a small storage capacity. Even if the release from Angat Dam is low, when there are local rains in the region, the water level rises and it helps divert water to Metro Manila,” he said. Padua said Maynilad did not consider the adverse effects of El Niño in its latest business plan due to the delayed announcement by the weather bureau. “Our latest business plan included assumptions that normal water will arrive for us. Our anticipation also takes into account the PAGASA forecast so if there is no forecast, we will not anticipate it. But we assure you that all this is being talked about,” Padua explained. To mitigate the impact of the interruptions, Maynilad vowed to fast-track the completion of its water augmentation projects. Among other things, Padua said Maynilad targets to complete more than 60 deep wells across its service area. Due to the depleting Angat Dam, whose water elevation fell below the 180-meter minimum operating level last weekend, the National Water Resources Board allocated only 48 cubic meters per second or cms for water concessionaires starting 8 July. The water share was lower than the 52 cms released from 16 April to 30 June, and the 50 cms from 1 to 7 July. Thus, Maynilad has been getting less supply than it needs to maintain normal service levels. The Water Resources Management Office or WRMO of the Department of Environment and National Resources on Sunday issued Bulletin No. 2 to all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers in the National Capital Region to advise residents to cut down on activities that consume large amounts of water, such as watering lawns and washing vehicles. The order came after the water in Angat Dam dipped to a critical level. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration had reported a significant drop in Angat’s water level since Friday. The decline, it said, averaged more than 0.40 meters daily as it further fell to 1.79.56 meters or .56 meters below its normal operating capacity. The WRMO advisory aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and encourage residents to reduce water usage where possible. “As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is more than ever important to conserve water in order to prevent massive interruptions later this year,” the WRMO bulletin said. Residents, it added, should practice rainwater collection for non-potable use of water, and to reuse laundry and dishwashing water to water plants. All government agencies have also been directed to conserve water in their respective offices while local government units in Metro Manila were told to hasten pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. The post Indefinite water cuts loom, Maynilad says appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon’s lava front collapses
The ongoing restiveness of Mayon Volcano has led to another collapse of its lava front and longer pyroclastic density current flows that produced a “light brown” plume on Monday. In its latest bulletin in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had monitored two pyroclastic density currents or PDC that lasted two minutes. The two lava front collapses resulted in the formation of a 200-meter-high light brown plume. Mayon also exhibited 295 rockfall events and three volcanic earthquakes while it continued moderate degassing from the summit crater producing steam-laden plumes at 500 meters tall before drifting to the west and west-northwest direction. The volcano has emitted sulfur dioxide at an average of 962 tons daily since 2 July. Phivolcs said Alert Level 3 is maintained at Mayon due to the presence of magma in the crater with the possibility of a “hazardous eruption within weeks or even days.” The six-kilometer permanent danger zone remained off-limits to the public due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Phivolcs also advised communities to exercise increased vigilance against PDCs, lahar, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden stream flows. Flying close to the volcano is not allowed as ash from a sudden eruption may pose a hazard to aircraft. Phivolcs warned that communities on the southern side of the volcano may most likely experience ash fall events based on the current wind pattern. Continuing gov’t assistance Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said it has provided around P131.2 million worth of government assistance to residents in the Bicol region affected by the continued restiveness of Mayon. The number of families affected was placed at 11,045 or equivalent to 42,815 persons residing in 26 barangays. Of the number, 5,775 families or 20,134 individuals are currently staying in 28 activated evacuation centers across Albay, while 408 families or 1,427 persons are being aided by either their relatives or friends. Mandatory evac center Amid the ongoing Mayon unrest, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide so that people would be better served during disasters and emergencies. Go lamented the lack of adequate facilities during times of crisis, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires. The post Mayon’s lava front collapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon evacuees’ needs are met, says OCD
The Office of Civil Defense on Friday revealed that minor illnesses were recorded among evacuees affected by the restiveness of the Mayon volcano due to the changing climate but the basic needs of the evacuees currently residing in the temporary shelters are being met. OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano said that while some are getting sick because of climate conditions, the Department of Health and its regional offices are regularly checking up on the health of the evacuees as some of them got coughs, colds, and fevers amid the varying inclement weather. Since 5 June, a total of 10,652 families or 41,517 individuals were affected by Mayon’s unrest, of which, 5,365 families or 18,751 individuals were living in 28 evacuation centers while 408 families or 1,427 individuals were being assisted outside. “They are receiving enough supplies. We continuously give their basic needs such as food, hygiene kit, and family kit that they need while staying in evacuation centers,” Mariano said. He added that a total of P111,927,076.97 worth of pooled assistance from the national government and local government units has already been distributed to the affected residents within Albay’s 26 villages in Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Ligao, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo and Tabaco. The troops from Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division also continued to conduct humanitarian and disaster response operations for the Mayon evacuees. Likewise, evacuees were also provided with financial assistance by the government totaling P19 million. The latest volcanic bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology showed Mayon volcano exhibited 284 rockfall events with two volcanic earthquakes from 5 a.m. on 29 June to 5 a.m. on 30 June. Mayon’s sulfur dioxide emission was logged at average of 595 metric tons per day, while continuous voluminous degassing from its summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 2.5 kilometers. Very slow effusion of lava flows at lengths of 2.23 km and 1.3km along Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies, respectively, while the lava collapse on both gullies logged within 3.3km from the crater. The Mayon remains at Alert Level 3 category. The post Mayon evacuees’ needs are met, says OCD appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No indication yet to increase Mayon’s alert level status—Phivolcs exec
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is still monitoring the low-level parameters within the restive Mayon volcano. Phivolcs officer-in-charge, Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, said a very slow effusive eruption over the Mayon is ongoing. “So, again it's not yet an indication that we need to raise the alert level [of the Mayon],” Bacolcol said in a public briefing. Since 28 June, Mayon volcano remains under the Alert Level 3 category with its restiveness seen to last for a few months. Bacolcol said the residents away from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone are still safe from the hazards of the volcano unless the volcano’s category will be raised to Alert Level 4. Phivolcs noted the continuous decrease in Mayon Volcano’s restiveness including rockfall events and sulfur dioxide flux has been logged Thursday. The latest volcanic bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology showed Mayon volcano exhibited 284 rockfall events with two volcanic earthquakes from 5 a.m. on 29 June 29 to 5 a.m. on 30 June. Mayon’s sulfur dioxide emission was logged at an average of 595 metric tons per day, while continuous voluminous degassing from its summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 2.5 kilometers. Very slow effusion of lava flows at lengths of 2.23 km and 1.3km along Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies, respectively, while the lava collapse on both gullies logged within 3.3km from the crater. The Mayon remains in Alert Level 3 category. The National Risk Disaster and Management Council said the government has able to distribute a total of P111,927,076.97 worth of pooled assistance from the national government and local government units has already been distributed to the affected residents within Albay’s 26 villages in Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Ligao, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Tabaco. The post No indication yet to increase Mayon’s alert level status—Phivolcs exec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rockfall events continue
The Mayon Volcano in Albay province continues its seismic activities with a total of 372 rockfall events and seven 3-minute dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Wednesday. In its volcanic bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano maintained its very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater logging collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies. The lava flows expanded to approximate lengths of 1,600) meters and 1,200 meters along Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively. While the collapse debris has deposited to 3,300 meters from the crater. Mayon also continues a moderate degassing from the summit crater producing 800 meters of steam-laden plumes drifting in a west-northwest direction. The sulfur dioxide emission logged an average of 964 tons per day with only one volcanic earthquake occurring as of 27 June. Phivolcs warned that heavy rainfall could generate channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where PDC deposits were emplaced. Entering the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone and flying near the volcano summit is strictly prohibited. Mayon is maintained at Alert Level 3 category which means it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is seen at the crater. Hence, hazardous or major eruption within weeks or even days remains possible. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the government has so far provided P105,337,234 worth of assistance to communities affected by the continuing Mayon unrest. The NDRRMC said some 144 land and air logistics assets were deployed to transport “humanitarian cargoes” in Albay province, provided by the Office of Civil Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines World Food Programme, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Some 10,642 families equivalent to 41,483 persons residing in 26 barangays in the Bicol region are still dwelling with the impact of Mayon’s restiveness. Some 5,354 families or 18,706 individuals are currently sheltered in 28 activated evacuation centers while some 408 families or 1,428 persons are being aided out of the evacuation centers. The post Rockfall events continue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stay out of Mayon PDZ, evacuees told
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday ordered the establishment of chokepoints around Mayon Volcano to prevent residents from returning to the permanent danger zone. “Around Mayon, there are chokepoints to prevent people from going back,” Abalos said in a mix of Filipino and English as Alert Level 3 remained hoisted over the restive volcano in the Bicol region. “Chokepoints are important now so people would not end up in the danger zone for their own safety. Lava is no joke. It’s your life, your family’s life. Please obey the authorities.” A Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology bulletin on Tuesday reported one volcanic earthquake, one dense pyroclastic event and 221 rockfalls in the last 24 hours. Lava flow from the summit crater was visible, while sulfur dioxide flux was measured at 723 tons, it added. Close to 14,000 individuals, or about 4,000 families, had been evacuated in Albay province on Monday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Thanks to UAE Abalos thanked the United Arab Emirates for the 50 tons of humanitarian aid it sent to the people affected by the volcano’s unrest. Along with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, he received the donation on Monday. “The President is very happy and thankful to the royal family of UAE, and all the people of the UAE for this donation, the very first international aid that we received for the victims of the Mayon volcano unrest,” Abalos said. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Philippines will match the UAE government’s swift humanitarian response with an equally fast turnover of aid to the displaced families and individuals. The repacking will be done in Albay to expedite the distribution and make sure that the relief goods will be received by the families immediately, he added. The donated goods include rice, cooking oil, powdered milk, salt, and sugar, among other things. The 50 tons of goods were flown in via a chartered flight care of the UAE government. Abalos also visited the operations center at the Albay Provincial Capitol and met with Gov. Edcel Lagman to discuss concerns about the imminent eruption of Mayon Volcano. After the meeting, the DILG chief visited the evacuation center in Daraga which temporarily houses 190 families or 723 individuals displaced by the activity of the volcano. The post Stay out of Mayon PDZ, evacuees told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super typhoon ‘Mawar’ maintains strength
Super typhoon “Mawar” maintained its strength while moving westward after battering Guam, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. Based on the latest PAGASA weather bulletin on Thursday, the center of the eye of the super typhoon was last tracked over east of southern Luzon, moving westward at 10 kilometers per hour. PAGASA forecasts that “Mawar” will accelerate westward and enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility likely by Friday evening or Saturday evening. It will hence be named “Betty.” It will move west-northwestward throughout the forecast period towards the sea area east of Extreme Northern Luzon. “Mawar” is forecast to continue intensifying in the next three days and may reach a peak intensity of 215 km/h by Sunday. Afterward, the super typhoon is expected to weaken but it will remain a typhoon by the end of the forecast period. PAGASA said the current track scenario shows that the rain bands of the typhoon may bring heavy rains over Cagayan Valley between Sunday and Tuesday next week. The Office of the Civil Defense Cordillera reminds different local government units through their respective disaster risk reduction management formations to gear up for the possible effects of typhoon “Mawar” to the region. Relief items The OCD Cordillera advised the public and the DRRM councils and offices not to let their guard down even if “Mawar” is not expected to make a landfall. The OCD said it has already pre-positioned relief items to areas that will likely be hit by the incoming typhoon so that assistance will be immediately given to affected families. Diego Mariano, OCD Joint Information Center head, said all necessary equipment for clearing operations as well as the rescuers have already been deployed along with personnel and air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council likewise geared up for the possible onslaught of the super typhoon. MMDA acting chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC Chairperson Atty. Don Artes assured close and prompt coordination among concerned government agencies and Metro Manila local government units. “MMDRRMC members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood-prone areas and waterways,” Artes said. In Davao City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office assured that the city has prepared for the possible effect of the super typhoon. In an interview, Alfredo Baloran, head of the CDRRMO, said they have already issued advisories in the barangays to prepare for the howler. “We are still on high alert because the weather disturbance is expected to become a super typhoon that will affect almost all of the country,” he added. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the entry of super typhoon “Betty,” the Philippine Coast Guard said it has already placed all units on a heightened alert status. During the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Thursday, PCG officer-in-charge, Vice Admiral Rogelio Lizor Punzalan Jr. said they have already raised the status after PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Advisory number 2A. “All districts of the PCG are all on heightened alert and we already reach out to the shipping industry, and the shipping lines so that they are aware, and that they could also consider seeking shelter. There is also deployment in advance to flood-prone areas,” he said. The post Super typhoon ‘Mawar’ maintains strength appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P400M+ income lost due to Mindoro oil spill
Seawater around Oriental Mindoro still showed low-level contaminants or pollycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, while seaweed collected and analyzed from select sites in Catluys, Antique on 9 March showed low-level contaminants or PAH, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported over the weekend. PAH, according to DA-BFAR, are "harmful to humans and other living organisms, and may accumulate in the flesh of marine organisms over time. Seaweeds and other sessile organism have greater chances of accumulating PAH due to their immobility." Thus, the BFAR is still keeping the fishing ban in oil-spill hit municipalities of Oriental Mindoro, which has accumulated P441.25 million losses in income in 22 fishing days. The agency said the amount came from the more than 26,000 fishermen who have been directly affected by the oil spill as of March 31, based on a daily income of P714. The damage in terms of inputs and produce, fishing gear and paraphernalia, and facilities and equipment was placed at P445,333,928.00. These include: Fisheries Production Losses from MIMAROPA’s Commercial and Municipal Fisheries valued at P14,138,400.00, and damage to 119 metric tons of seaweed production in Western Visayas valued at almost P3 million. The "DA-BFAR detected minimal levels of PAH, including benzo(a)pyrene or B(a)p, from the initial samples collected," BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto said. He added that 86 fish and other marine samples were taken on 10-11 March from seven municipalities in Mindoro (Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Najuan, Pinamalayan and San Jose) for testing. "These did not show the presence of petroleum-related products," Escoto said. However, from seven seaweed samples collected on 31 March in Caluya, Antique, three showed the presence of petroleum-related products. Some 23 water samples collected from 9 March to 4 April from 10 municipalities of Oriental Mindoro (Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Calapan, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Roxas) and Caluya in Antique had minimal levels of oil and grease, within the standard set by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources. BFAR also said 15 fish samples collected from Oriental Mindoro from March 4 to 10 showed low levels of PAH. Likewise, seaweed taken from Caluya, Antique on March 4 yielded low-level PAH. 'Since the Bureau found low-levels of PAH in seafood samples, it recommended keeping fishing bans in areas concerned while the time-series analyses are still ongoing," BFAR said in its Bulletin No.2 . The Bureau meanwhile, added that a total of P22 million worth of livelihood assistance has been allocated to affected fishing communities. This includes P4.4 million worth of post-harvest technology packages for 10 fisherfolk associations and cooperatives or 689 families. It also includes P12 million worth of fuel subsidy for fisherfolk who had to seek alternative fishing grounds. The BFAR said it is considering providing affected fisherfolk some fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats. As for food and relief goods, the BFAR said it has earmarked P1.5 million for food assistance to 5,689 affected fisherfolk in Mimaropa. Meanwhile, P580,500 has been used to help displaced fishing groups in Western Visayas, the BFAR said. For cleanup operations in Oriental Mindoro, the agency said it deployed P720,945 worth of PPE, ropes and other materials. The MT Princess Empress sank on 28 February off Najuan, Oriental Mindoro while carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel. The post P400M+ income lost due to Mindoro oil spill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Oil still leaking from sunken vessel; Calapan to be most affected this week
In a bulletin published Saturday night, the UP MSI said currents in the coast of northern Mindoro to the Verde Island Passage are expected to be stronger in the coming days. This may lead to majority of the leak to spill over to Calapan from March 20 to 22......»»