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MANILA, Philippines – The government’s main disaster preparedness agency advised people to exercise extra vigilance against coronavirus as they prepare for Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) or take shelter when the storm, with winds approaching the force of a super typhoon, hits their communities.
“What we are facing today is not just a storm, but also COVID-19,” said Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), speaking in Filipino.
“We strongly recommend caution against illness, wearing masks and other personal protective equipment, washing hands, and paying attention to physical distancing,” he said.
Evacuation sites, he said, should not be filled to the maximum to allow distance between those seeking shelter from the typhoon.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to seek refuge at government-designated evacuation sites or camps prior to Rolly’s arrival. Authorities anticipate flooding, landslides and storm surge in areas in the path of the storm.
Government shelters are often overcrowded with residents of areas fleeing disasters.
“We call on our compatriots to cooperate and heed warnings and orders for their safety,” Jalad said in Filipino.
“If you have been advised to evacuate, do not hesitate and proceed to the evacuation centers,” he added.
According to his latest clue, Rolly would make landfall in the Aurora-Quezon area on Sunday (November 1) evening or early Monday (November 2).
As it continues to gain strength over the water, the typhoon is seen to hit land winds with speeds ranging from 185 to 215 km / h, which could be very destructive.
The head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), General Gilbert Gapay, ordered all AFP units to monitor and prepare for the typhoon.
“The AFP has protocols and units in place to respond to calls for humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Gapay said.
He said that military disaster response units had been trained and equipped to conduct search, rescue and recovery operations.
It has also prepared vehicles, marine vessels, aircraft and heavy equipment for transporting relief items, road cleaning and damage assessment.
TSB
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