President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the monitoring and gradual release of water from dams across the country in response to the ongoing impact of tropical storm Kristine.
Marcos convened relevant government agencies to assess the effects of Tropical Storm Kristine at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.
One of the matters discussed was the possible overflow of dams due to the continuous rainfall brought by the storm.
According to Marcos, the water levels in the country’s dams need to be closely monitored as the rainfall has just begun. He stated that while the situation may still be manageable at the moment, it appears inevitable that water will need to be released.
"Magbitaw na tayo ng tubig para pagdating ng malakas na ulan mababa o mas naibaba [na] natin ang tubig para may konting breathing room," said Marcos.
"Let's try to get the levels [sa dam] as low as we can without affecting the downstream communities habang hindi pa dumadating ang malakas na ulan," he added.
According to the president, Region 5 is currently the first to be affected by the storm. However, it is expected that as the storm hits other parts of Luzon, its impact may become significantly more severe, necessitating preparation.
During the briefing, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) also presented the areas in the Philippines currently experiencing widespread flooding due to Typhoon Kristine.
Based on their initial data, Region V is currently experiencing the most severe and widespread flooding.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that he has directed his staff to prepare for the effects of Typhoon Kristine on the country, ensuring that airlift rescue operations are ready if needed.
The OCD clarified that they expect the number of casualties may rise, especially after the onslaught of the tropical storm or once it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as the reports they have are still preliminary.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured that family food packs and assistance are prepared for those affected by the storm in different regions of the country.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also stated that the replenishment of their stocks is currently in progress.
