By Fernan Angeles
NOT even calamities should be made a reason to skip public health safety protocols, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as it reminded the public and local government units to observe COVID-19 health measures in case of evacuation due to the effects of storm “Enteng.”
NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal disclosed to reporters that the council has already issued a regulation with adjustments on the emergency response due to COVID-19.
“Pinapaalala po natin sa local governments natin, although wala naman direktang epekto si Enteng ngayon at ang mga pag-uulan na nararamdaman natin ay buhat sa enhanced monsoon, ang paalala natin sa mga kababayan natin at sa LGUs na patuloy na protektahan ang sarili nila,” he said.
Timbal emphasized the need to observe mandatory wearing of face mask and observance of social distancing in the evacuation areas of affected residents.
NDRRMC believes that by this time, LGUs should already have a list of evacuation areas for emergency use, noting they must designate centers that are not used as quarantine facility for COVID-19.
In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, Aug. 9, the state weather bureau said tropical depression Enteng is enhancing the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), bringing rains to parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Also, PAGASA said, a low-pressure area (LPA) located west of Zambales will also enhance the Habagat.
Monsoon rains are to be expected over Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, MIMAROPA, and Antique, and occasional rains over Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and the rest of Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, and Visayas.
During times of heavy or prolonged rainfall, flooding or rain-induced landslides may occur in hazard-prone areas, PAGASA warned.