President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered all state agencies to maintain a high-alert status following the entry of Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) into the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that the Chief Executive is directly monitoring the state’s preparation and response strategies to mitigate the typhoon’s impacts.
“Maliban sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, si Pangulong Marcos Jr. mismo ay nakatutok din sa lagay ng panahon at sa magiging development nito sa susunod na mga araw,” Castro stated. “Paalala ng Pangulo sa taumbayan, maging alerto at palaging magbantay sa takbo ng panahon.”
In anticipation of torrential rains from the typhoon and the enhanced southwest monsoon, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has cleared major drainage systems and activated all 73 of its flood-pumping stations across the capital.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed heavy equipment, including chainsaws and backhoes, to the Cagayan Valley region for rapid emergency clearing.
On the relief front, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has secured over 4.7 million food packs across the country, which includes 217,000 units in Cagayan Valley and 23,000 items already stationed in Batanes.
The Department of Health (DOH) has also declared a “code white” alert, putting healthcare personnel on standby and readying ₱36.6 million worth of medical and sanitation provisions.
State weather bureau PAGASA reported in its 11 a.m. bulletin that Super Typhoon Inday has strengthened, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 240 kph. Situated 1,270 km east of Northern Luzon, the typhoon is moving west-northwest at 20 kph and is forecast to leave the jurisdiction by Saturday.