THE Provincial Government of Davao del Norte is bracing for the arrival of two to eight typhoons expected to hit the Philippines in the first quarter of 2025.
Glenda O. Delideli, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), assured that the Local Government Unit (LGU) is taking steps to ensure the safety and preparedness of residents when calamities strike.
“Nag-andam na ‘ta sa tanang gamit sama sa rubber boats, rescue trucks, ug ambulances aron magamit day on kung kinahanglan (We’ve already prepared equipment such as rubber boats, rescue trucks, and ambulances to be ready when needed),” she said.
The province has also proposed increasing its food stock from 2,000 to 6,000 food packs, which will include hygiene kits and fuel supplies. Hot meals will also be prepared for residents affected by the typhoon.
Delideli highlighted that the PDRRMO continues conducting water rescue training to ensure responders have the knowledge and skills to handle emergencies. These efforts, under the leadership of Governor Edwin Jubahib, reflect the provincial government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.
Engr. Araya Mahilum, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), confirmed during the fourth Quarterly Meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council that two to eight typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and impact the region from January to June 2025.
Mahilum also warned that the La Niña phenomenon, continuing from December 2024 until February 2025, will bring above-normal rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
In preparation, the province will install additional flood and tsunami monitoring cameras with sirens in strategic areas and update flood markers for better information dissemination in high-risk zones. RGP
