Pedring affects 5,000 families in Zambales

Some 5,000 families or more than 25,000 individuals were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Pedring in the province.

As of September 29, Thursday, the province continued to experience intermittent moderate to heavy rains with gusty winds.

Latest Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) report shows that out of the more than 5,000 families affected, 742 of them are in the different evacuation centers in their areas.

In Botolan town, 118 families or almost 500 individuals are housed in two evacuation centers in town. Evacuees from Barangays Bangan and Capayawan, both coastal barangays, are housed at the Capayawan Elementary School while 75 evacuees from Brgy. Carael are at the Kapuso building in Poblacion.

In the town of Cabangan, 126 families from Barangays Tondo, San Isidro, Arew, Anonang, and Longos have been displaced by the typhoon but all 509 individuals went to their relatives for shelter.

Almost a hundred families from Barangays Sto. Niño and Longos in San Felipe are currently housed at the Sto. Niño Barangay Hall and Longos Elementary School.

More than 40 families in San Antonio town, meanwhile, were displaced by Pedring coming from low-lying barangays of San Juan, Burgos and San Nicolas and are temporarily taking shelter at the San Juan Elementary School and at the DLRC building of the Yangco Elementary School. Some went to their relatives for help.

PDRRMC report also states that Jose Buno, a 45-year old resident of Barangay Lomboy in Cabangan died of drowning while Ernesto Labrador, 57, of Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Maloma, San Felipe is missing.

Wilfredo Baldevicio,36, from Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos, on the other hand, is now recuperating from injuries he got when a tree fell on him while riding his motorcycle along Barangay Calapacuan in Subic town.

The Risk Reduction Office in the province pegged the damage in agriculture at P48.9 million on almost 3,000 hectares of rice fields.

MAYOR GORDON REITERATES GUIDELINES ON SUSPENSION OF CLASSES

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. was right when he ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday, October 18 in spite of the declaration of PAGASA that Zambales was only under storm Signal No. 1 and Typhoon Juan was to hit Northern Luzon. Zambales was eventually declared under storm Signal No. 2 when the typhoon changed course and damaged many parts of Central Luzon.

“Mahalaga ang pagiging maagap at alerto lalo na at alam nating may naka-ambang bagyo na parating. Kahit na magsuspinde tayo ng klase, matiyak lang natin na ligtas ang kapakanan ng mga estudyante at guro,” said Mayor Gordon.

Again, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. reminded the following DepEd’s Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes in the face of Typhoons:

• Storm warning signal number 1: Classes in pre-school level in all public and private schools will be automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 2: Classes in pre-school, elementary and high school in all public and private schools will be automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 3: Classes in all levels are automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 4: All travel and outdoor activities are cancelled.

Schools shall consider holding make-up classes on Saturdays or on weekdays beyond the originally-set school calendar to offset the days when classes are suspended.

Rain forecast reduced in latest bulletin, no flooding seen

3 Day Weather Summary: Heavy rain (total 77mm), heaviest during Sun night, Warm (max 30°C on Tue afternoon, min 26°C on Sun night), Wind will be generally light

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/SubicBay/forecasts/latest

	Sunday Mostly Cloudy With Occassional Showers High: 29°C / 83°F. Winds: Calm Precipitation: 11.76mm (0.46 in)*
	Sunday Night Very Heavy Showers Low: 25°C / 78°F. Winds: SE 8-16 kph (5-10 mph) Precipitation: 24.51mm (0.97 in)*
	Monday Heavy Showers High: 28°C / 82°F. Winds: SE 8-16 kph (5-10 mph) Precipitation: 19.26mm (0.76 in)*

Heavy Rain forecast for Subic Bay

Three international weather forecasting bureaus issued heavy rains forecast for Subic Bay area starting Sunday night up to Monday morning. There is no harm in being prepared, so lets get ourselves ready.

Subic Bay, Philippines Weather Forecast

Issued: 13 pm Sat 17 Jul local time

Subic Bay 1 – 3 Day Weather Summary: Heavy rain (total 227mm), heaviest during Sun night, Warm (max 29°C on Sat afternoon, min 25°C on Sun night),

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/SubicBay/forecasts/latest

Subic Bay Weather Station

http://www.weatherforyou.com/clickcast/international/ph/subic+bay+weather+station.html

Sunday Night

Very Heavy Rain

Low: 25°C / 77°F.

Winds: S 24 kph (15 mph)

Precipitation: 121.87mm (4.80 in)*

Monday

Very Heavy Showers

High: 27°C / 80°F.

Winds: S 16-24 kph (10-15 mph)

Precipitation: 27.65mm (1.09 in)*

Basyang now typhoon; DepEd suspends elementary classes

Pre-school and elementary classes in private and public schools in a number of provinces in Luzon, including Metro Manila, were suspended as Tropical Storm Basyang intensified into a typhoon and changed direction, this time heading toward Central Luzon.

"Basyang" increased its strength and the change in direction prompted the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend afternoon classes in pre-school and elementary classes in both public and private schools.

"Tinatawagan po lahat ng ating school division superintendents na mag-suspend ng classes kung Signal No. 1 sa NCR, pre-elementary and elementary," said Dr. Flordeliza Magday, officer in charge of the DepEd NCR.

Magday said the suspension only covered afternoon classes because students in the morning had already gone home by this time.

In its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Basyang – which was earlier thought to make landfall over the northern Luzon province of Isabela – is now expected to first hit the Aurora-Quezon area.

PAGASA director Prisco Nilo said in a press conference that the typhoon was moving west, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph with a gustiness of 150 kph.

It was last spotted 90 km North of Virac in Catanduanes, traveling west at 22 kph.

"Kahapon toward northern Luzon. Ngayon mataas na ang probability na Central Luzon. Iyon na siguro ang worst case scenario, sa Central Luzon na yan at tatawid ng bandang Pangasinan or Zambales area," Nilo said.

Basyang is expected to make landfall Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, he added.

Placed under Storm Signal No. 3 were Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Aurora, and northern Quezon including Polilio Island.

Nine provinces were placed under Storm Signal No. 2 including:

- Camarines Sur

- Southern Quezon

- Laguna

- Rizal

- Bulacan

- Nueva Ecija

- Nueva Vizcaya

- Quirino

- Ifugao

- Isabela.

Under Storm Signal No. 1 were:

- National Capital Region (Metro Manila)

- Albay

- Marinduque

- Batangas

- Cavite

- Bataan

- Pampanga

- Zambales

- Tarlac

- Pangasinan

- La Union

- Benguet

- Mt. Province

- Ilocos Sur

- Kalinga

- Apayao

- Abra

- Cagayan Ifugao

- Abra

Heading westward

Nilo said Basyang is headed westward toward Central Luzon, adding that people in southern Luzon would also be affected by rains because the typhoon has also intensified the southwest monsoon.

Pagasa warned residents in the affected areas, especially those living in coastal areas, against possible flooding, landslides, and rough to high waves.

There's good news

But the change in Basyang's path also brings good news, according to Susan Espinueva, officer in charge of Pagasa's hydro-meteorology division.

Espinueva said Basyang's rains could help ease the 23.4 water deficit facing the Angat Dam in Bulacan, which supplies most of Metro Manila's water needs.

"Ngayon ang aasahan natin sa pagdaan ni Basyang sa Luzon, mahahagip ang Angat Dam. Dahil sa rain band ni Basyang aasahan natin ang pag-akyat ng level ng Angat," she said.

She said the Angat Dam needs at least 600 millimeters of water before the water level in it "normalizes" and reached the 181-meter level.

Based on satellite data and on the rains that it has so far brought, Basyang is expected to bring rains of between 100 to 150 mm, she said.

Espinueva said the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija and the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan are likewise expected to benefit from Basyang's rains.

Sea travel

Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo was quoted in a radio dzBB report as saying 340 passengers have already been stranded in ports after vessels in Catanduanes and Albay had been barred from setting sail.

Vessels weighing 1,000 tons or lighter are disallowed from traveling in areas under Signal No. 1. Meanwhile, all vessels, regardless of wieght, are barred from setting sail in areas under Signal No. 2.

Over at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Quezon City - one of the biggest bus terminals in Luzon - trips to southern Luzon and Visayas have yet to be canceled, according to general manager Mon Legazpi. — Mark Merueñas/LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

When do we call a storm a storm? State weather forecasters use this guide when classifying weather disturbances visiting Philippine territory. 'Basyang' has maximum winds of a typhoon. Source: Pagasa

3 Day Weather Summary OLONGAPO CITY: Heavy rain (total 178mm), heaviest during Wed afternoon, Warm (max 30°C on Tue morning, min 26°C on Wed afternoon)

CITY DMO IS READY FOR THE RAINY DAYS

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has directed Disaster Management Office Head Angie Layug to prepare and “recharge” his rescue teams as the rainy season approaches.

“Inaasahan natin na kasunod ng matinding init na ating naranasan ay susunod naman ang matinding tag-ulan. Kaya ngayon pa lamang ay naghahanda na ang DMO at ang City Disaster Coordinating Council para sa mga susunod na buwan,” Mayor Gordon explained.

“Preparado ang mga rescue teams ng DMO na rumesponde sa anumang sitwasyon sapagkat tuloy-tuloy ang ginagawa naming pag-aaral at training dahil kinakailangang alam ng ating mga rescue ang tamang pagliligtas ng buhay upang sila ay maging ligtas rin habang sumasagip ng buhay ng iba,” said Layug.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gordon has reminded Olongapeños to get ready for the upcoming rainy days thru the following:

 Replacing or repairing leaking roofs and ceilings and cleaning the gutters, canals and waterways;

 Cleaning backyards and getting rid of old tires, bottles or containers that can be the breeding grounds of dengue-causing mosquitoes ; and

 By taking enough vitamins and proper care of the body to fight cough and colds which are the common diseases during the rainy days.

“Safe Ka Ba?”

In the face of successive disasters that hit the country, the City Government Olongapo is again asking the public: “Safe Ka Ba?”

“The Safe Ka Ba? Campaign was launched by the National Disaster Coordinating Council last 2005 to reiterate to the populace the things one ought to do and prepare in the face of calamities and disasters, and to ultimately have a citizenry armed with vital knowledge of disaster preparedness to protect and save themselves from the wrath of nature,” said ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

“Reviewing the Safe Ka Ba? guidelines can provide useful information on what to do’s and not to do’s in times of disasters,” Mayor Gordon advised.

According to NDCC’s Safe Ka Ba?” citizens should do the following in cases of typhoons:

• Stay calm and indoors

• Monitor the weather forecast on radio and television

• Cut off tree branches that may fall on your house

• If your house is situated on flood-prone areas, move to a safer place

• Be sure to have flashlights and radio with new batteries

• Store enough food, potable water, supplies and first-aid kits

• In cases of floods, turn-off the main electric, water and gasoline sources on your homes

• Place appliances and important equipment in areas on your homes that are safe from floods including chemicals, poisonous substances and household wastes.

• Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, canals, manholes and coastal areas. Also stay away from hills and mountainous areas because typhoons may cause landslides, rockslides and mudslides.

• Do not cross on floodwater and rampaging rivers

• Do not use electric or gasoline equipment and tools that were drenched in floodwater

• Keep the phone lines and communication open in case of emergencies

Accordingly, the NDCC recommends the following to do’s in case of earthquakes:

• Despite of being situated in a well-constructed building, it would still be a big help to hide under a sturdy table in times of earthquake. You could also cover your head with your arms as added protection.

• If you are in a moving vehicle, do not cross bridges, overpass or flyovers that can be destroyed by the earthquake

• If you live near seacoasts, an earthquake may cause a tsunami so evacuate in to a higher place

• If you are outside, move to a spacious area. Stay away from electric posts, concrete structures and other buildings that may collapse

• Stay away from mountainous areas where landslides can happen

• Stay calm. When the earthquake stops, evacuate a building in a systematic and organize way. Do not use elevators, use the stairs, instead.

• Check if you have injuries, apply first-aid and seek for medical help

• Do not enter buildings that were affected by the tremors, even though the damages to the buildings seem small or minimal because there could be after-shocks.

• Check if there are chemicals or poisonous substances that leaked or spilt to avoid fires and accidents.

• Check if the gas, electric and water lines are damaged. If you think they have been damaged, immediately turn it off.

• If you need to evacuate, leave a message where to find you in case relatives or friends will locate you.

In case of emergencies, residents can call the Disaster Management Office at 224-7846 or their respective barangay halls.

New Asinan 223-5708

Banicain 611-0832

Barretto 222-4925

East Bajac-Bajac 222-5035

East Tapinac 223-3444

Gordon Heights 223-5497

Kalaklan 224-6983

Mabayuan 224-5179

New Cabalan 224-5414

New Ilalim 223-9772

New Kababae 224-8458

New Kalalake 224-8264

Old Cabalan 223-1629

Pag-Asa 222-8037

Sta. Rita 222-4172

West Bajac-Bajac 222-5173

West Tapinac 223-3434

Pao/sara

The meaning of storm signals

In the face of successive tropical cyclones or typhoons that brought massive damages to the country and to Olongapo City as well, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has tasked concerned departments to re-inform Olongapeños about the meanings of storm signals so that appropriate disaster preparedness can be done to prevent accidents.

“The Philippines has the highest number of tropical typhoons in the world with an average of 20 typhoons entering the country every year, so we must always prepare for the worst situations,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAG-ASA, Public Storm Signal No. 1 is put into effect when a maximum wind speed of not more than 60 kph is expected to affect a certain place in at lest 36 hours. In this situation, impact of winds may cause twigs and branches of small trees to be broken, some banana plants may be tiled or downed and some houses of very light materials like nipa and cogon may be partially unroofed. Classes in pre-school level in all public and private schools in affected communities will automatically be suspended.

On the other hand, Public Storm Signal No. 2 is announced when the maximum wind speed is greater than 60kph but not more than 100 kph is expected to affect a certain place in at least 24 hours. In this situation some coconut trees may be tilted or broken, few big trees may be uprooted, large number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed, some old galvanized iron roofing may be peeled off and in general, the winds may bring light to moderate damages to the communities affected. With storm signal no. 2, classes in pre-school, elementary and high school levels in all public and private schools in affected areas are automatically suspended .

Public Storm Signal No. 3 is announced when a maximum wind speed of more than 100 kph up to 185 kph is expected to affect a certain place in at least 12 to 18 hours. In this situation, nipa houses may be unroofed or destroyed and there may be considerable damages to structures of light to medium construction. There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services and in general, moderate to heavy damage may be expected, practically in agricultural and industrial sectors. With public storm signal no. 3, people are advised not to travel especially by sea or air transportation and people should also seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas and stay-away from seacoasts or river banks. Classes in all levels are automatically suspended in affected communities.

Public Storm Signal no. 4 is declared when very strong winds of more than 185 kph is expected to affect a certain area in at least 12 hours. In this situation, many large trees may be uprooted and most residential and buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged, electrical power disruption and communication services will be disrupted and in general, massive damages may be expected to communities affected.

The Olongapo City Government has renewed its efforts in raising public awareness on the possible adverse effects of typhoons by explaining the meaning of storm warning signals.

Pao/sara

Bodies of three 'Maring' fatalities found in Zambales

Authorities on Friday said they have found the corpses of three security guards who were buried alive after a landslide covered their guard house in Blanco Mining, Botolan, Zambales last Wednesday.

Fatalities Celso Metran, Patricio Diaz and Amor Metran are all security guards of the MILLGOS Security Agency.

This brings to nine the total number of fatalities in the wake of tropical depression "Maring.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council said a state of calamity remains in effect in Botolan after massive floods affected 10 barangays. A similar declaration was hoisted by local officials in DinalupIhan, Bataan; Olongapo City and Zambales Province.

The NDCC said more than 77,000 families in 32 citities and municipalities were affected by flooding and landslides brought on by Maring.

It said the weather disturbance destroyed an estimated P133,332,032.90 worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the country.

PGMA visits Zambales

P2.1-M relief goods distributed in Zambales as PGMA visits typhoon victims anew

Zambales -- Amidst the gloom that blanketed residents of Botolan, Zambales when the wrath of Typhoon Kiko hit their town, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave them something to cheer about as the Chief Executive distributed relief goods amounting to some P2.1 million.

PGMA visited yesterday the TLRC compound in Barangay Taugtog, the second visit to this town this month, to distribute relief packs of rice, noodles, sardines and other basic hygiene needs to more than 1,200 families or around 5,000 individuals.

TLRC, which house some 1,200 evacuees, is one the six remaining evacuation centers out of the total 13 centers opened during the height of flooding last August 6, 2009.

Flash floods swept Barangays San Juan, Paudpod, Batonlapoc, Carael, Paco, San Miguel, Tampo, Beneg, Capayawan and Bangan when the one-kilometer portion of a dike along the Bucao River collapsed due to heavy rains brought about by "Kiko."

The incident effectively isolated five northern towns of this province as strong currents from the river sought a new path destroying a portion of the national highway along Barangay Carael.

As of the latest report issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III, a total of P19.7 million assistance from all concerned agencies, LGUs and NGOs have already been extended.

Carael Highway now passable

Joining the President were Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chief Glen Rabonsa and Subic-Clark Alliance for Development and Luzon Urban Beltway Champion Secretary Eduardo Pamintuan.

They were received by Governor Amor Deloso, Vice Governor Ann Marie Gordon, and Botolan Mayor Rogelio Yap.

President Arroyo also inaugurated the newly-constructed 60-meter steel bridge crossing the new river along the Carael Highway linking anew Northern Zambales to the southern towns including Subic and Olongapo. Travel to the Northern part of the province had to be made through Pangasinan after Typhoon Kiko swept Botolan.

PGMA gave strict instructions to DPWH officials during her first visit to the town (August 10) to finish the bridge in three weeks. DPWH Engineers responded swiftly, finishing the bridge in just 2 weeks.

Innovative but risky means to cross the raging river such as riding a motorized banca were introduced to mostly residents of nearby southern town while the highway was impassable.

The journey required a 3-kilometer tricycle ride from the highway near the Bucao River to the inner western portion of Barangay Carael, the boat ride that take passengers some 2 minutes to cross the new river and headed towards Barangay Bangan of the same town and another 3 to 4 kilometers of tricycle ride going to the nearest town of Iba.

The two tricycle rides cost passengers P40 each while the boat ride cost 30 pesos. Discounts were given to senior citizens and students.

A footbridge made of wood and galvanized iron tubes that lessened travel and expenses was constructed a week before the completion of the steel bridge.

Rehabilitation costly but recommended. Both the DSWD Field Office III and the Governor's Office through the Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office and the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, which Gov. Deloso head, recommended rehabilitation plans for the town that include housing units for deserving victims (P1.10M from DSWD estimate); immediate repair of roads and bridges (P10.4M from PDCC estimate); dike rehabilitation and reconstruction (P205M from PDCC estimate); rehabilitation of schools (P29M, PDCC estimate); and construction barangay health units, day care centers and centers for the elderly (P1.5M, DSWD estimate).

"We badly need the help of the Office of the President on this costly undertaking but I am confident Madame President Gloria will oblige. She has a heart for the poor and needy, as shown in her visits to this town," Governor Deloso said in an interview shortly after PGMA left the TLRC compound.

"Ngayon pa lang, in behalf of my fellow Zambaleños, I am extending my heartfelt gratitude to President Arroyo," the Governor added. (by Allen Villa PIA-Zambales)

Kiko leaves 1,946 homeless in Zambales

Typhoon “Kiko” has left some 1,946 residents of Botolan, Zambales homeless after the flood control dike in Bacao River collapsed from continuous heavy rains, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) here reported.

The RDCC said the flood waters came from Mt. Pinatubo where five persons, including three French tourists, died because of landslides.

Ten barangays in Botolan were hit by floods induced by the typhoon that hit Northern Luzon last week,

because the Bucao dike suffered a breach.

Residents affected by the floods are staying at evacuation areas in the province where the RDCC, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Botolan Municipal Government and the Zambales Provincial Government are assisting calamity victims.

PNRC chairman, Sen. Richard Gordon, PNRC visited the flood victims last Sunday and helped hand out relief goods.

While the RDCC is yet to estimate the damage in the province, Gov. Amor Deloso said that P205-million would be needed for the reconstruction of the dike and road destroyed during the typhoon.

“At least P175-million would be needed to fund the rehabilitation of the flood control dike alone,” Deloso said.

She said the 800-meter dike should be repaired as soon as the weather improves.

The governor said that another P30 million is needed for the repair of the San Juan National Road.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the dike and road, still impassable as of press time, would take at least a month.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and DPWH Asst. Regional Director Domingo Mariano inspected the damage last Friday.

Mariano said that the national government had instructed DPWH to take necessary actions as soon as possible because the damaged road is the most convenient way to go from Manila to Iba, Zambales, the province’s capital.

“Flood is a perennial problem in Zambales but this one is unforeseen because we did not expect that the dike will be destroyed,” Mariano said. By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL - Manila Bulletin

PGMA visits Zambales to check on victims of typhoon

Iba, Zambales -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cut short her scheduled six-event visit to Guagua, Pampanga yesterday and flew via the Presidential Chopper to Botolan in Zambales to check on the victims ravaged by typhoon Kiko, pledging to fast track rehabilitation and relief operations in the area.

Flash floods swept Barangays San Juan, Paudpod, Batonlapoc, Carael, Paco, San Miguel, Tampo, Beneg, Capayawan and Bangan in Botolan town when the one-kilometer portion of a dike along the Bucao River collapsed due to heavy rains brought about by "Kiko."

The incident effectively isolated five northern towns of this province as strong currents from the river sought a new path destroying a portion of the national highway along Barangay Carael.

Joining the President were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chief Glen Rabonsa.

They were received by Governor Amor Deloso, Zambales 2nd District Congressman Antonio Diaz, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy President Admiral Fidel Diñoso, Philippine Army 7th ID Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director Col. Rolando Felix and Botolan Mayor Rogelio Yap.

In a dialogue with evacuees in Upper San Juan Evacuation Center, PGMA assured them that the national government will closely coordinate with Gov. Deloso in providing some 10,000 victims with alternative housing as their original houses were either totally swept away by floodwaters or are standing but were half or totally buried by mud and sand.

The President also instructed Secretaries Teodoro, Ebdane and Rabonsa to work together to speed up rehabilitation of the damaged dike along Bucao River and the construction of a temporary bridge along the national highway in Carael to connect North and South Zambales.

Meanwhile, Gov. Deloso reported that around P175 Million would be needed to repair the collapsed dike.

He added that the DPWH has already released an initial amount of P5 Million to put up a footbridge and rechanneling of the river that crossed the national highway in Carael.

"Meron initial P3 Million calamity fund na kami na nakalaan sa basic needs ng mga evacuees. We certainly need our friends in the national government to help us in providing them with permanent shelters and lands as the effect of this disaster is truly massive." (PIA)

THE DO’S AND DON’TS IN CASE OF TYPHOONS

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. again advised Olongapeños to be prepared for disaster and emergencies.

“Hindi lamang Pilipinas ang nasalanta ng mga bagyo kundi pati na rin ang ibang bansa katulad ng China kung saan umabot sa isang milyon ang residenteng nasalanta at lumikas dahil sa bagyong Morakot at nagdulot ng isa sa pinakamalaking baha sa Taiwan ngayon,” paliwanag ni Mayor Gordon,” Mayor Gordon explained.

The Olongapo City Disaster Management Office (DMO) reminds the following guidelines when typhoons occur:

• Be calm and stay at home;
• Monitor weather news and updates;
• Clear the streets from unnecessary road blocks in case of emergencies;
• Avoid flood and landslide prone areas;
• Reserve extra food, medicines, clothes, drinking water and first aid kits;
• In case of floods, turn off the electric main switch in your homes;
• Make sure that important things like appliances and personal documents are safe from flood water and rains;
• Avoid low level areas, rivers, seaside, and mountainous areas. Typhoons may cause landslides, mudslides or rockslides that may be dangerous to lives and properties;
• Do not cross on flooded areas or rivers;
• Do not use wet or washed out electric appliances or gasoline-operated equipment;
• Keep the phone lines open to facilitate rescue and communication in times of emergencies.

For crisis situation, residents may call the Mayor’s Office at 222-2565 or the Disaster Management Office at 224-7846.


Pao/sjd

More fishers dead, missing than ‘Princess’ victims -- Gordon

More fishermen have died and remain missing than the number of passengers on board the M/V Princess of the Stars but they have not received equal attention and help from the national government, Senator Richard Gordon said Friday.

The government should give equal attention to the search for the missing fishermen, including 87 from Cadiz City in Negros Occidental, and in the identification of the dead to give closure to the families of the victims, he said.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, told the Inquirer that 119 fishing vessels, 53 of which are from Western Visayas, were hit by Typhoon “Frank,” leaving 324 dead, 804 missing, and 354 survivors for a total of 1,482 fishermen.

The M/V Princess of the Stars, which capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon at the height of the typhoon on June 21, had 866 passengers, of which the Coast Guard has reported 51 dead and 318 missing.

Two weeks after the typhoon, Gordon said there were still unidentified bodies of fishermen that were being buried in coastal communities where they were washed ashore because there were no experts being sent to help identify them.

In Cadiz City, for example, Mayor Salvador Escalante revealed that five unidentified bodies found in its waters have been buried in the city’s cemetery.

Bodies of 43 other fishermen were also recovered from the waters off and around Cadiz, all of whom have been identified to have come from this city and its neighboring areas.

Gordon said he was sending a University of the Philippines forensic team headed by Dr. Raquel Fortun to Cadiz City, and a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) team to exhume and identify the unnamed dead.

Gordon added he asked Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to help the PNRC secure orders to exhume unidentified bodies that were buried in areas like Masbate or Romblon so forensic experts can identify them.

He also called on Gonzalez and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno to help stress the need for local governments not to bury at once the bodies they find and instead immediately report their presence to the appropriate agencies and the PNRC for action.

Gordon said he informed Gonzalez and Puno that the PNRC has been informed that four unidentified bodies were buried in Claveria, Masbate, some bodies in San Pascual, Masbate, and 40 bodies in Burias Island. By Carla Gomez - Inquirer.net

Body of missing mountaineer found in Zambales

The body of one of three mountaineers swept by a strong current in San Antonio, Zambales, on Sunday was found at past 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Policemen found the body of Thaddeus Reantaso at the shoreline of the Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Cruz town, more than 100 kilometers from the creek where he and two others were swept in the village of Pundaquit, San Antonio town, according to Senior Superintendent Rolando Felix, Zambales police chief

Felix, in a telephone interview, said the decomposing body of Reantaso was found on his 32nd birthday.

Reantaso's fellow climbers, Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel, were found dead on Sunday and Monday, respectively, by policemen and Philippine Navy frogmen. Nine of their colleagues were rescued on Sunday.

Village officials in Pundaquit said the group went to the Annawangin beach south of the village but they encountered swollen creeks on their way back to the town proper on Sunday afternoon.

Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) was crossing Zambales at that time, carrying strong rains and winds. By Tonette Orejas - Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gordon: improve RP disaster preparedness

The country should strengthen its disaster preparedness so that it will not be caught off guard in times of great calamities, Sen. Richard Gordon said.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, said the disasters in Myanmar and China highlights the need to make a “paradigm shift” in addressing natural calamities.

“By strengthening our capabilities even before the need arises, we better equip ourselves with the proper skills and mindset to later on deliver the necessary high-quality and expeditious service. In all instances, we must ensure that we are ready to answer the people’s call for help,” he said.

He said the PNRC’s Project 143 which seeks to empower communities to respond disasters will be a big help. Under the program, volunteers will be trained in barangays to respond to any calamity. They will coordinate with different Red Cross chapters nationwide.

“It is important not just to provide assistance to victims but, more importantly to be able to predict cope with and mitigate the effects of the damages of disasters,” Gordon stressed.

He proposed the acquisition by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration of state of the art weather and geophysical equipment and facilities within the next six years to minimize the damages caused by natural disasters.

“The country should be prepared with measures that will enable it to deal with large scale calamities such as those that are wrought by earthquakes and unusually strong typhoons which bring floods and landslides,” Gordon said.