THE Department of Public Works and Highways have deployed Disaster Response Operation Teams in identified critical sections along national roads in preparation for super typhoon Rolly.
DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said that DPWH has already mobilized the necessary equipment and manpower resources in potential risk areas particularly in Luzon that maybe affected by the strongest typhoon to enter the Philippine land in 2020.
“We are continuously monitoring all national roads and bridges for a possibility of heavier rains that may trigger flooding in flood-prone areas, falling of trees and landslide incident in the mountain areas,” he said.
Senior Undersecretary for Luzon Operations Rafael C. Yabut has reported that the DPWH Quick Response Teams pre-positioned were composed of road maintenance crew including mechanics, equipment such as water pump, chainsaw, tower lights and generator set for debris clearing operation; dump trucks, payloader, road grader and back hoe for landslide clearing operation; and service vehicles for quick response on emergency road situations.
“The deployed maintenance personnel in every District Engineering Offices are ready to effect timely and expeditious response during the worst case scenario” Villar said.
In a related development, the country’s social action workers are on high alert and preparing stocks of emergency assistance as the Philippines braces for a strong typhoon.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, said rapid assessments are on standby to determine the scale of response needed.
Bagaforo said Caritas is closely collaborating with social action centers in dioceses expected to be hit by typhoon Rolly.
“Caritas is ready to send fund assistance if and when needed by the dioceses damaged by this. Almost all dioceses are now ready with their disaster plans as of yesterday’s contacts,” he said.
The Kidapawan bishop also urged residents to be on alert and follow advice from authorities.
In a pastoral letter, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres earlier urged the faithful to pray for protection and deliverance from the typhoon as it moves closer to the Bicol region.
The archbishop also called on parishes to open their facilities to evacuees.
