The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging all local government units (LGUs) to take the necessary actions in preparation for La Niña that is now being closely monitored by the state weather bureau.

In its Seasonal Climate Outlook, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is now keeping watch on the development of La Nina as the tropical Pacific continues to exhibit cooler-than- average sea surface temperatures

In a memorandum circular, DILG officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy enjoins provincial governors, city/municipal mayors, and punong barangays to convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and conduct pre-disaster risk assessment especially for flood-prone and landslide-risk areas.

Cuy also urges local chief executives (LCEs) to prepare/review their current La Niña action plans/Oplan Tag-ulan Plans submitted to the DILG field offices and evaluate if local preparedness measures are adequate based on PAGASA’s La Niña forecast.

Local execs are also advised to closely coordinate with PAGASA for timely weather updates, and with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for adequate information on the threat of flooding and rainfall-induced landslides within their respective areas of responsibility.

They are also advised to undertake early preparedness actions for La Niña as stated based on the Operation Listo manuals developed by the DILG.

In the same vein, Cuy also directs all DILG Regional Offices to convene a Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting for La Niña of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and prepare/evaluate their respective La Niña Regional Action Plans. (By: Fred Salcedo)