DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called on residents in low-lying and coastal areas across 23 provinces and Metro Manila to brace for potential storm surges as high as 7 meters.
In a directive issued Friday, Remulla urged local government units (LGUs) and barangay officials to prioritize mandatory preemptive evacuations in at-risk communities.
“Ngayon pa lang ay may pakiusap na kami sa lahat ng coastal barangays sa mga lalawigan na ilisan na ang mga tao sa lugar na mula sampung metro sa dagat. Ang storm surge na posible mangyari ay lagpas bahay ang pasok ng dagat sa baybayin,” Remulla posted on Facebook.
“Hindi po biro ito. EVACUATE NOW!” he stressed.
Government on High Alert
The directive comes following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s orders during a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting at Camp Aguinaldo. The latest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advisory indicates a high likelihood of dangerous storm surges inundating low-lying coastal areas.
Remulla emphasized the need for LGUs to immediately inform residents about evacuation plans and to mobilize Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) to ensure the safe transport of evacuees to equipped shelters.
Storm Surge Warnings in Effect
PAGASA’s 2 a.m. Storm Surge Warning reported life-threatening surges exceeding 3 meters are expected within the next 48 hours in the following areas:
Ilocos Region: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Central Luzon: Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales
CALABARZON: Cavite, Batangas
MIMAROPA: Marinduque
Bicol Region: Masbate, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon
Visayas: Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar
Others: Isabela, Aurora, Quezon
Call to Action
Remulla reiterated the need for vigilance and coordination, urging LGUs to remain updated through PAGASA advisories and ensure the readiness of evacuation centers to accommodate affected communities.
“This is a life-and-death situation. We cannot afford complacency when storm surges this high are anticipated,” he said.
As severe weather conditions loom, residents are advised to heed evacuation orders and follow official updates to ensure their safety.