Palace urges public to be alert amid LPAs

December 27, 2020

Malacañang on Sunday reminded the public to be alert and prepared for heavy rains brought by the two low pressure areas (LPAs) and the northeast monsoon.

“According to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), there are no typhoons. However, we remind the public to be alert and be prepared for possible landslides and floods brought by the heavy rains,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“We must not forget or ignore all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone, including the observance of minimum public health standards, such as wearing of masks (and) shields, washing of hands, and maintaining social distancing,” he added.

He said the executive department continues to work even during this holiday season to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

“We ask the public to continue following their local officials, monitor the latest PAGASA advisory, and be prepared in case there is an evacuation,” he said.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the first LPA was spotted 140 km west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan while the other one was seen 35 km northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte.

Pagasa said the two LPAs being monitored are not likely to develop into tropical depression.

“Even though the weather systems (showed they) are just LPAs, the public should not be complacent,” said Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr.

“LPAs bring heavy rains which cause floods and landslides,” he added.

However, the public and the local government units are reminded to heighten preparedness for the combined effects of the two LPAs.

“Communities located in flood- and landslide-prone areas, especially in the river basins, must remain vigilant and undertake all necessary precautions to ensure their safety," NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said.

“We know we are in the holiday season but we must continue to be prepared for any emergency,” he added.

The commencement of flood precaution period for Angat Dam was issued by PAGASA in anticipation of the rainfall to be brought by the LPAs. Advisories on the flood-precaution period for dams are continuously disseminated to areas to be affected.

The NDRRMC, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the regional counterparts have continued to cascade advisories, warning, and reminding the communities to undertake precautionary measures. Ella Dionisio/DMS