AS Typhoon Pepito rapidly intensifies, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and key government agencies assured the public on Thursday that comprehensive measures are in place to mitigate the cyclone’s potential impact.
During a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) operations center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, officials outlined their strategies, including preemptive evacuations and coordination with local governments.
“We have everything that we need to have in place. We have very little time to prepare,” President Marcos said. “The prepositioning of food packs and search and rescue assets is going to be critical.”
Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chair Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stressed that the agency is in constant coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to ensure accurate and timely forecasts are disseminated.
“It is constant, 24/7, and we immediately cascade information through the Department of the Interior and Local Government to local officials,” Teodoro explained, expressing gratitude to Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando for providing critical forecasts to aid planning efforts.
Typhoon Pepito’s Path
As of the 5 p.m. bulletin from Pagasa, Typhoon Pepito was located 465 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving west-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour. It carries sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 185 kilometers per hour. The typhoon is expected to bring torrential rains to parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas over the weekend.
Concerns Over Storm Surges
President Marcos raised concerns about Pagasa’s forecast, which warns of storm surges that could reach up to three meters, potentially causing significant damage. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately, referencing Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which claimed over 6,000 lives.
“This is very dangerous. A storm surge of three meters is equivalent to almost one floor of a building. We need to ensure that LGUs and residents understand the risks and act swiftly,” Marcos said.
Teodoro echoed the sentiment, stating that preemptive evacuation is already underway in high-risk areas. “We have cascaded warnings and instructions to regional directors and local governments through the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell. It’s safer for people to move to evacuation centers now, where we can deliver essential services more efficiently,” he added.
Worst-Case Scenario Preparedness
Office of Civil Defense Director Agnes Palacio emphasized that all preparations are based on a worst-case scenario to ensure communities are ready for Pepito’s potential devastation. “We have translated all typhoon information into actionable plans to cover the worst impacts,” she said.
As Typhoon Pepito continues to approach, the government urges everyone to remain vigilant, follow advisories, and prioritize safety.