Albay Prepares Extensive Relief and Evacuation Measures Ahead of Tropical Storm Opong

The Province of Albay has proactively readied relief supplies and mobilized vehicles in anticipation of Tropical Storm Opong, which is forecasted to approach the Bicol region this Friday. Roderick Mendoza, Officer-in-Charge of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, convened an emergency session attended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and representatives from 18 local government units (LGUs).

During the meeting, LGUs were instructed to closely monitor zones susceptible to flooding, lahar flows, and landslides. Mendoza emphasized that mandatory evacuations will be implemented in communities deemed highly vulnerable to the storm’s impact.

Support for evacuation efforts is already underway with six trucks from the Provincial Engineers Office and nearly 30 additional vehicles deployed from various government agencies. These include the Philippine Army’s 49th and 31st Infantry Battalions. Furthermore, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Air Force, and Coast Guard units in Bicol stand ready to conduct rescue operations as needed.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has strategically prepositioned 623 sacks of rice to supply affected LGUs. Coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region V is in progress to secure further family food packs.

In the health sector, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health team confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Department of Health to ensure the availability of medicines and essential drugs for LGUs during the storm response.