Kalinga on heightened alert amid tropical storm “Crising”; Command centers activated

Tabuk City, Kalinga -  With moderate to heavy rains and strong winds battering the province due to tropical storm “Crising,” the Kalinga Provincial Government is on heightened alert, mobilizing all national line agencies for real-time coordination, relief distribution, and safety operations.

The PLGU, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), held an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 17, led by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. John Paul Baguiwan under the Supervision of Governor James Edduba, to direct the concerned agencies/ offices to intensify their emergency response efforts as the weather disturbance begins to affect communities.

Report from the Kalinga Information Office states that operation centers and quick response teams across the province are now fully activated.

During the meeting, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that the Incident Management Teams and Municipal Action Teams are in place, monitoring critical areas.

For relief readiness, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that  4,949 family food packs have been prepositioned in three local government units and at the Cordillera RDRRMC Inter-agency Warehouse.

More supplies sent to Kalinga

Additional supplies are underway for possible families to be affected. 1,000 packs are expected this Friday, July 18, from the regional warehouse, and 1,700 more from the national relief center by Saturday.

For medical assistance, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) assured that all Rural Health Units in the province are on full alert with medical supplies and health workers are ready.

As for the areas near the Chico River, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) reported that they are standby monitoring the river’s water level and can promptly shut intake gates if necessary. Residents living near the river are advised to evacuate when needed.

For road situations, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that equipment and teams for road-clearing are on standby, especially in landslide-prone areas. As of July 18, major roads in the province remain passable.

For search and rescue, security, accident response, the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection are on high alert with their equipment strategically placed.

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), meantime, ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity and will deploy Wi-Fi kits and generators in case of power outages.

Kalinga, according to PAGASA,  is currently under tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2, posing threats of flooding and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.