Mimaropa under blue alert as Inday strengthens ‘habagat’

Inquirer Files

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Mimaropa has placed its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under blue alert starting on Thursday, July 9, in preparation for possible hazards brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat,” triggered by Typhoon Inday.

In an advisory, the RDRRMC said that the precautionary measure was agreed upon following the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) and scenario-building activity held on July 8, to evaluate the potential impact of the weather system across the region.

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Although Inday is not forecasted to make landfall in the country, weather models show it will strengthen the habagat, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall over Mimaropa—most notably in Occidental Mindoro and northern Palawan—until July 12.

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Office of Civil Defense-Mimaropa Regional Director and RDRRMC chair Arnulfo C. Matanguihan directed all member agencies and local DRRM councils to conduct localized risk assessments, keep close watch on vulnerable areas, preposition emergency supplies and equipment, and step up the dissemination of weather updates and safety reminders.

READ: Inday weakens into typhoon; rains to drench parts of PH – Pagasa

“Residents are advised to remain vigilant. The enhanced habagat may cause heavy rains, flash floods, and other related hazards, especially in low-lying and flood-prone communities,” Matanguihan said.

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He also urged local government units to implement preemptive evacuation in high-risk zones when necessary and strictly enforce the no-sail policy due to expected rough sea conditions, to prevent maritime incidents.

RDRRMC’s Response Cluster assured the public that teams are on standby and ready to immediately deploy assistance and relief services should any community be affected.

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The council said it will continue monitoring the weather development and maintain close coordination with national and local authorities to ensure timely response and protect lives and properties throughout the duration of the enhanced monsoon. /cb

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