Gov’t braces for Storm Nona's landfall

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III has been monitoring the severe tropical storm to ensure preparedness for its anticipated landfall, Malacañang said on Sunday.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the president is seeking update from weather bureau PAGASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

"Patuloy na masinsing sinusubaybayan ni Pangulong Aquino at ng Gabinete ang paghahanda para sa pagdating ng severe Tropical Storm Nona na nasa loob na ng Philippine area of responsibility," Coloma said in an interview with state-run dzRB.

Coloma said local government units have also been on alert for the expected landfall on Monday night in northern Samar.

"'Yun pong mismong mga alkalde, mga punong barangay, mga punong lalawigan, mga regional DRRMC ay nakatutok sa sitwasyon ngayon. Pagtulungan po natin na matiyak 'yung ganap na kaligtasan ng ating mga pamilya," Coloma said.

The Palace official said tge NDRRMC and other concerned agencies are already coordinating to prepare measures for its landfall and possible resident evacuation and relief operations.

"Ito ay kasama sa standard procedure ng NDRRMC tuwing parating ang isang kalamidad," Coloma said.

Coloma advised the public to remain updated on the storm and its potential effects. He also urged residents who might be affected by the weather system to coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management councils.

The government is aiming for zero casualties for the coming storm.

Some areas in Samar province and the Bicol region are currently under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 as the storm gains strength.

RELATED: Signal No. 1 hoisted over Samar, Bicol as 'Nona' looms