The Cordillera region is on high alert as it prepares for the potential devastation from Typhoon Ofel, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and intensify over the next 24 hours. The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has issued warnings to local councils and residents to be ready for the worst-case scenario, especially given the already saturated soil and swollen rivers from recent typhoons.
Albert Mogol, the CDRRMC chair and Civil Defense Cordillera director, emphasized the importance of local disaster risk reduction management councils monitoring their areas closely and recommending pre-emptive evacuations if necessary. He advised residents to inspect their surroundings for any signs of cracks or changes in waterways that could lead to landslides and to seek immediate assistance if they notice any dangers.
Larry Esperanza, a chief weather specialist from PAGASA in Baguio City, confirmed that heavy to intense rains are expected from Ofel. He warned that the typhoon could make landfall at its peak intensity, urging stakeholders to prepare for the worst due to the region’s vulnerable mountain slopes and river systems.
Following Ofel, Tropical Storm Man-yi, soon to be named Pepito, is also expected to affect the region. As of the latest bulletin, Ofel is weakening but still poses a significant threat as it moves towards the Babuyan Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts up to 255 km/h.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR) has identified 174 villages in Abra, 124 in Apayao, 239 in Baguio and Benguet, 156 in Ifugao, 104 in Kalinga, and 129 in Mountain Province as at risk of landslides due to expected rainfall of 100 to 150mm from November 13 to 18.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively distributing financial assistance of PHP5,000 under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program (AKAP) to typhoon-affected families. Additionally, relief items are being provided to local government units to supplement their supplies. Maria Aplaten, the regional director of DSWD-Cordillera, stated that their personnel are working tirelessly to provide assistance and assess damages to ensure that affected individuals receive prompt help.
The municipality of Paracelis in Mountain Province has declared a state of calamity due to the severe impacts of recent typhoons on its agriculture and social sectors. As a result, 20 families with 77 individuals are currently housed in evacuation centers, while 55 families with 177 individuals have sought shelter with relatives and friends. The DSWD has reported that 21,713 people in the region have been affected by successive weather disturbances, with 50,082 family food packs and 24,790 non-food items pre-positioned in various warehouses for quick distribution.