Cagayan de Oro (CNN Philippines) — The entire Province of Lanao del Norte has been placed under “preparedness status,” starting yesterday (August 6) when 579 individuals or 130 families were affected by flash floods spawned by the “habagat.”
Lanao del Norte Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo issued Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Advisory No. 2 to the entire province with its component municipalities and barangays, directing them to be under “preparedness status.”
At least 130 families were affected by flash floods caused by the overflowing of, at least, three rivers.
Mostly affected are three puroks in Lapinig, Kapatagan, and the neighboring town of Maranding.
Rescue teams from the towns of Sapad, Kapatagan and from the PDRRMC rushed to these areas yesterday to assist the affected residents.
Under the state of preparedness status, provincial, municipal and barangay DRRMC shall sustain the 24-hour operation centers in their respective areas.
Also, all levels of government units and task forces shall maximize all possible means of information and awareness to alert puroks and communities considered high-risk to flood, especially those located along the rivers, coastlines and those situated in low-lying areas.
Dimaporo pointed out that all areas with recent history of flooding must exercise double alertness and to be prepared for possible evacuation.
Dimaporo also directed fisherfolk to refrain from going to sea until declared safe to do so.
Under preparedness status, concerned agencies are mandated to identify safe areas and routes and available vehicles for possible evacuation.
They also instructed families and individuals to prepare emergency bags, and food, water and medicine provisions good for the next 72 hours.
Dimaporo ordered all agencies to keep all possible means of communication open.
