Citizens Disaster Response Center | CDRC » Central Luzon

Finally, rain! Be informed of the dangers

CDRC Admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:45:41 +0000

In the Philippines, the month of June is marked by the change in climatic patterns from the dry to wet season. This year, the change in weather has caused particular excitement for many, due to the fact there has been a prolonged period of dryness throughout the country since June 2009. The dryness, referred to as El Nino has negatively affected people, and their livelihoods that depend on the land. According to impact assessments conducted by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in agriculture alone, crop damages are estimated at P12 billion. However, as communities rejoice for the calling of more rain, it’s important to not forget the equally destructive dangers that exist with this abrupt change in weather patterns towards wetter conditions.

Preparation is the best defense for communities. With the effects from Ondoy and Pepeng, a past too recent to forget, communities have already started requesting for different forms of assistance: preparation training, early warning devices, relocation and construction plans and mobilization of emergency teams. The NDCC and local authorities are rushing to set up an alarm systems, rain gauges and flood forecasting plans to alert communities in danger zones of an impending disaster. Once an alarm is raised, the NDCC and local governments are responsible to set up evacuation efforts.

Another preparatory defense for communities and their leaders is to observe the weather advisories released from different monitoring bodies. For example, last week PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) released a weather advisory to all government leaders in the country. The advisory stated that a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was approaching from Taiwan, an estimated 490km Northwest of Basco, Batanes. The weather disturbance expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Northern and Central Luzon becoming widespread over extreme Northern Luzon. The residents living in low lying areas and near mountain slopes were therefore advised to take precautionary measures against possible flash floods and landslides.

To keep yourself up to date on weather reports and advisories, please bookmark the following sites for updated, 24-hour access current weather information.

http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ (Smart users can subscribe for SMS advisories)

http://www.ndcc.gov.ph/

Information Retrieved from:

PAGASA Weather Advisory report 11:00 am, May 28^th, 2010

National Disaster Coordinating Council report 29^th April, 2010

Photo Gallery: Distribution of House Repair Materials in Central Luzon

CDRC Admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 04:21:29 +0000

CDRC in partnership with Alay Bayan Inc (ABI) distributed house repair materials consisting of GI sheets, lumber, plywood, cement and nails to families in Central Luzon most severely affected by typhoon Pepeng (international name: Parma).

The activity is part of the project “Disaster Relief for Ketsana and Parma Affected Families” funded by Caritas Switzerland, Caritas Austria and the Austrian Development Agency, and implemented by CDRC and 5 of its regional centers, which includes ABI (Alay Bayan Incorporated).

The project aims to alleviate the suffering of 5000 families affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng through the distribution of shelter/construction materials and non-food items (plastic sheets, blankets, sleeping mats, cooking and eating utensils) and provision of psychosocial services to those suffering from post traumatic stress.

Photo Gallery: Distribution of Crocs Sandals

CDRC Admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:54:31 +0000

CDRC and its Regional Centers distributed 3,000 pairs of Crocs Sandals to the communities affected by Typhoon Ondoy. The sandals were donated by the Japanese NGO Civic Force. CDRC worked in close coordination with its RCs, the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center (STPRC), Community Response for Enlightenment, Service and Transformation (CREST) and Alay Bayan, Inc. (ABI) in the distribution.

Photo Gallery: Relief Delivery in Central Luzon

CDRC Admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:22:29 +0000

CDRC, together with Alay Bayan, Inc. (ABI), distributed relief goods in Central Luzon for the families affected by Typhoon Pepeng (Parma). This was supported by Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe and the German Humanitarian Aid.