The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed its Operations Center on blue alert to prepare for the possible impacts of Tropical Depression Mirasol, which may be followed by another storm currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
In a Facebook post, the agency confirmed that the status was raised at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to strengthen readiness, consolidate efforts, and coordinate with other government agencies and local government units that could be affected.
“Primary or lead personnel from OCD (Office of Civil Defense) complemented by detailed duty officers (DDOs) shall render duty at the [Operations Center],” the NDRRMC said.
In a separate statement, the OCD explained that the DDOs would come from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). It also urged communities in Mirasol’s path to brace for its impact.
“We urge the public to implement safety measures and remain vigilant by following warnings and advisories. Government preparedness is in place — but individual responsibility remains crucial,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) likewise assured that 2,578,821 family food packs are prepositioned for distribution in affected areas.
“Our frontline disaster response personnel especially in areas that have been identified to be affected by TD Mirasol are closely monitoring the situation so that we can send help immediately where it is much-needed,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Group.
She added, “We also have 313,064 non-food items (NFIs) such as blankets, family, hygiene, kitchen kits and modular tents that we can provide for those who will be urged to take temporary shelter in evacuation centers.”
According to PAGASA, Tropical Depression Mirasol is expected to make landfall in Aurora province and cross Northern Luzon.