Legarda calls for disaster preparedness as typhoon chedeng is to hit the country

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, May 25, 2011- Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change calls for disaster preparedness as typhoon Chedeng entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility where she reminded local government units (LGUs) and communities who are expected to be hit by the storm as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration forecasted the possibility of it to become a super typhoon as it will land fall.

Legarda reiterated her call that by now, LGUs and barangays should already be prepared for Typhoon Chedeng as it is expected to become a super typhoon which will bring strong winds and rains, saying that there is a need for them to be ready to implement disaster management and early warning systems in their respective areas.

“LGUs should now have their respective climate action plans, which include improvement of disaster risk information through risk identification or assessment, and making people more responsive to government-issued disaster warnings,” Legarda said, adding that the local governments must reduce sources of risk and exposure of the vulnerable sector by providing house upgrading and relocation options for settlers located in hazardous areas, and ensure effective disaster preparedness and recovery mechanisms by encouraging active participation of the vulnerable communities.

“Nakahanda na dapat ang mga pito, batingaw pati na mga maliliit na watawat na maaring ipagaspas sa pag-aalerto,”   she said.

“The LGUs must activate all forms of early warning systems, ensure that canals and drainage systems had been cleaned up to avoid flooding, and evacuate families living in landslide-prone, flood-prone and other vulnerable areas,” Legarda explained, adding that heavy rainfall on clogged esteros will cause flooding because the water passageway is being blocked.

“Disaster preparedness is essential to minimize, if not totally prevent, loss of lives and property damages when natural hazards like typhoons strike,” Legarda explained.

Legarda concluded that on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation agenda, a better preparation is needed especially the LGUs who are closer to the people in a strategic position to deliver effective and lasting results on effective mitigation. (Jason de Asis)