PH Navy response teams prepare for possible 'Supertyphoon' Kiko

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

by: JIMMYLEY E. GUZMAN

PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Navy's disaster response and recovery teams (DDRTs) and are now preparing for the possible impact of Tropical Cyclone Kiko, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility Tuesday evening.

Navy Spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said their fleet and marine forces from Manila and Cavite have been activated to render humanitarian response in the event "Kiko" develops into a super typhoon category.

"NTF 83 has been organized since September 6. Its deployment is also in preparation for the imminent impact of the potential Super Typhoon Kiko as it moves closer to the eastern part of the country," Negranza said. 

"They are equipped with rubber boats, trucks and other necessary rescue and mobility equipment," he added.

Negranza also said other Navy operating forces have also ensured the preparedness of their respective disaster response and recovery teams for humanitarian assistance and disaster response deployment.

"The PN always stands ready to render necessary assistance and services to the Filipino people especially in times of disasters, calamities, and emergencies through its fully-equipped and deployable DRRTs," he added.

On Thursday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Signal No. 1 is up over Cagayan and Isabela as Typhoon "Kiko" intensified further.

Affected areas are Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Flora and Santa Marcela) and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan and Palanan).

Pagasa meteorologist and weather forecaster Benison Estareja said the center of the typhoon was located at 670 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 240kph, Kiko is moving westward at a speed of 20kph, he said.

As this developed, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reminded all DRRMCs to continue monitoring weather developments and implement preparedness measures.

The NDRRMC also advised the public to monitor weather updates, take precautionary measures, heed evacuation notices issued by their local government units and follow warnings and advisories alongside the observance of minimum health standards for protection against COVID-19. (PN/PIA-NCR)