In anticipation of the severe tropical storm Nika, which is set to impact a significant portion of Aurora province on Monday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has escalated to a red alert status. This decision was made during a meeting in Baler on Sunday, led by Governor Reynante Tolentino, who also chairs the PDRRMC.
Governor Tolentino emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that all agency personnel must be on standby to manage any emergencies. The emergency operations center has been activated to coordinate response efforts. Additionally, all government offices will be closed, and classes at all levels in both public and private schools will be suspended on Monday.
Special attention is being given to residents in the northern towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag, which are considered high-risk areas due to their proximity to low-lying areas, landslide-prone zones, and bodies of water. The governor has instructed the PDRRMC to prioritize the safety of these communities.
Elson Amado Egargue, the head of the PDRRMO, has called upon the police, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Coast Guard to assist as needed. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore during the storm.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is actively preparing by repacking food supplies at the Aurora Trading Center. Governor Tolentino urged the public to take precautionary measures, adhere to safety protocols, and stay informed about weather updates.
As of the latest bulletin at 5 p.m., Nika was located approximately 380 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon, and is expected to intensify into a typhoon by Sunday, potentially reaching wind speeds of 130 km per hour before making landfall in either Isabela or northern Aurora on Monday morning or early afternoon.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over the northern part of Aurora, along with several other regions, indicating strong winds that could cause minor to moderate damage. Signal No. 1 is in effect for the rest of Aurora and numerous other areas, signaling the need for vigilance due to potentially damaging winds.