By Nimfa Estrellado PDRRM Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla (Photo from Quezon PDRRMO) LUCENA CITY, Quezon - While Typhoon Enteng has exited the...
PDRRM Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla (Photo from Quezon PDRRMO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - While Typhoon Enteng has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), its effects continue to be felt in Quezon Province. The province remains on high alert as strong to gale-force winds and rough seas persist, prompting the issuance of a Gale Warning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued Gale Warning #4 at 11:00 PM on September 2, 2024. The warning highlights the strong to gale-force winds associated with Tropical Storm "Enteng" affecting the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, including the eastern coast of Quezon and Polillo Islands.
Mariners are advised to take appropriate measures to ensure safety at sea. Small seacrafts are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor, while larger vessels operating in these conditions require experience and properly equipped vessels.
Typhoon's Impact and Recovery Efforts
Quezon Province was on high alert on Monday, September 2, 2024 as Typhoon Enteng threatened to make landfall. PDRRM Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla painted a picture of widespread heavy rains and strong winds, with Polilio Island experiencing rising water levels due to the storm surge.
"The typhoon's forecasted rainfall of at least 200 millimeters raised alarms for potential widespread flooding. Fallen trees and landslides obstructed some roads, but fortunately, major thoroughfares, including those connecting Quezon to the Bicol region, remained open." Avenilla said.
He also emphasized the importance of residents staying indoors and following evacuation orders to ensure their safety during the typhoon. The local government has set up emergency shelters and designated rescue teams in preparation for any potential disasters.
The Infanta-General Nakar area and the Polillo group of islands bore the brunt of the storm, grappling with high water levels and intense rain showers.
According to Avenilla three fishermen from Buenavista were reported missing, their boat presumably caught in the tempest. Search and rescue efforts were launched, but the ongoing severe weather hampered their progress, leaving families and communities on edge.
"The Philippine Coast Guard has also been deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations, utilizing their resources and expertise in maritime emergencies. The affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols until the storm passes. " he added.
In response to the escalating crisis, the provincial government took decisive action. Face-to-face and online classes were suspended, and both government and private offices were closed to ensure public safety. Pre-emptive evacuations were ordered in vulnerable areas, although the number of evacuees remained relatively low, perhaps a testament to residents' resilience or a reluctance to leave their homes.
Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan led a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting, bringing together LGU representatives and various agencies to share real-time updates on the evolving situation. The Provincial Government assured its commitment to providing evacuation centers and food assistance to those in need.
Governor Tan's message was clear: exercise caution and prioritize safety above all else. She also stressed the importance of staying informed and following instructions from local authorities to ensure the well-being of everyone in the community. The proactive approach taken by Governor Tan and her team helped to minimize potential risks and ensure a coordinated response to any emergency situations that may arise.
The provincial government responded quickly in distributing relief goods to the affected areas, taking care of stranded passengers, arranging evacuation centers for the safe evacuation of residents, and conducting rescue operations for those stranded in the flood.
Continued Vigilance and Community Support
The province is now shifting its focus to recovery and damage assessment. Search and rescue operations for the missing individuals continue, and the community remains hopeful for their safe return.
The typhoon serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters. The Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Tan, has demonstrated its commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring their safety.
The monitoring of the typhoon's movement continues and the STAN hotlines are open for all towns that need help. In the midst of the storm, the spirit of 'bayanihan' shines through as communities come together to provide support to all those in need.
In light of the lingering effects of Typhoon Enteng and following Memorandum Circular No. 63 from Malacañang, classes at all levels and work in government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A have been suspended for today, September 3rd.
Quezon Province was on high alert on Monday, September 2, 2024 as Typhoon Enteng threatened to make landfall. PDRRM Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla painted a picture of widespread heavy rains and strong winds, with Polilio Island experiencing rising water levels due to the storm surge.
"The typhoon's forecasted rainfall of at least 200 millimeters raised alarms for potential widespread flooding. Fallen trees and landslides obstructed some roads, but fortunately, major thoroughfares, including those connecting Quezon to the Bicol region, remained open." Avenilla said.
He also emphasized the importance of residents staying indoors and following evacuation orders to ensure their safety during the typhoon. The local government has set up emergency shelters and designated rescue teams in preparation for any potential disasters.
The Infanta-General Nakar area and the Polillo group of islands bore the brunt of the storm, grappling with high water levels and intense rain showers.
According to Avenilla three fishermen from Buenavista were reported missing, their boat presumably caught in the tempest. Search and rescue efforts were launched, but the ongoing severe weather hampered their progress, leaving families and communities on edge.
"The Philippine Coast Guard has also been deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations, utilizing their resources and expertise in maritime emergencies. The affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols until the storm passes. " he added.
In response to the escalating crisis, the provincial government took decisive action. Face-to-face and online classes were suspended, and both government and private offices were closed to ensure public safety. Pre-emptive evacuations were ordered in vulnerable areas, although the number of evacuees remained relatively low, perhaps a testament to residents' resilience or a reluctance to leave their homes.
Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan led a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting, bringing together LGU representatives and various agencies to share real-time updates on the evolving situation. The Provincial Government assured its commitment to providing evacuation centers and food assistance to those in need.
Governor Tan's message was clear: exercise caution and prioritize safety above all else. She also stressed the importance of staying informed and following instructions from local authorities to ensure the well-being of everyone in the community. The proactive approach taken by Governor Tan and her team helped to minimize potential risks and ensure a coordinated response to any emergency situations that may arise.
The provincial government responded quickly in distributing relief goods to the affected areas, taking care of stranded passengers, arranging evacuation centers for the safe evacuation of residents, and conducting rescue operations for those stranded in the flood.
Continued Vigilance and Community Support
The province is now shifting its focus to recovery and damage assessment. Search and rescue operations for the missing individuals continue, and the community remains hopeful for their safe return.
The typhoon serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters. The Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Tan, has demonstrated its commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring their safety.
The monitoring of the typhoon's movement continues and the STAN hotlines are open for all towns that need help. In the midst of the storm, the spirit of 'bayanihan' shines through as communities come together to provide support to all those in need.
In light of the lingering effects of Typhoon Enteng and following Memorandum Circular No. 63 from Malacañang, classes at all levels and work in government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A have been suspended for today, September 3rd.
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