Relief goods brought to Southern Luzon today as NDCC girds for 'Santi'

MANILA, Philippines - Relief goods are finding their way to Southern Luzon today, while other measures are being put in place in preparation for tropical storm “Santi,” which is forecast to hit the region late today or over the weekend, Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council chairman Gilbert Teodoro said yesterday.

In a briefing at the NDCC headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Teodoro said the caravan that will bring relief goods to Southern Luzon will push through today to ensure enough supply once the new weather disturbance arrives.

“We are pre-positioning relief goods in Southern Luzon and our regional disaster coordinating councils are advised to actively take the necessary measures once the tropical storm comes in,” he said.

Teodoro said all the leaves of NDCC and Office of Civil Defense employees have been cancelled in preparation for Santi.

But pending the confirmation of the state weather bureau on the exact impact area of the new storm, Teodoro said disaster authorities in the whole of Luzon, including Metro Manila, would make necessary measures to prevent casualties and ensure a steady supply of goods and medicine for residents who may be affected.

He said this early, he has asked the National Capital Region Police Office to include disaster response measures in their planning for the commemoration of All Saints’ Day on Sunday, in case Santi affects Metro Manila.

“This includes traffic management to prevent people from getting caught again in flood-prone areas… We cannot also afford to lose time in the pre-emptive evacuation of people in hazardous areas,” he said.

Teodoro advised the public to adjust their schedule in going to cemeteries once the tropical storm comes in.

“I suggest they do it this early or after the storm has left and as much as possible, avoid crowding the cemeteries,” he said.