In response to the looming threat of Typhoon Pepito, also known internationally as Man-yi, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III has issued a directive to local government units and disaster management councils to enact pre-emptive evacuation measures. The governor emphasized the urgency of preparing evacuation centers and executing evacuations in areas at high risk of landslides, flash floods, and coastal surges, as well as along rivers and their tributaries.
Governor Guico’s memorandum, released on Friday, stressed the importance of activating Emergency Operations Centers and maintaining vigilant monitoring to safeguard residents in vulnerable areas. He underscored the role of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils in leading the safety efforts for their communities, as stipulated by Republic Act 10121.
The governor also called for enhanced coordination among agencies and response clusters to ensure the readiness and strategic placement of response assets and teams. He specifically advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the high seas due to the potential dangers posed by the typhoon’s impact on coastal waters.
The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has been on red alert since Typhoon Nika. Assistant Director Pia Flores of the PDRRMO Emergency Operations Center reported that towns like Bani and Burgos have requested additional support as they prepare for possible evacuations due to storm surge threats. The PDRRMO has dispatched personnel and vehicles to assist these areas.
A storm surge advisory has been issued for several coastal towns in Pangasinan, including Bani, Burgos, Agno, Anda, Binmaley, Bolinao, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Fabian, and Sual, with potential surges reaching up to 3 meters. Response teams are on standby across the province, supported by national government agencies.
Residents have been urged to prepare ‘Emergency Go Bags’ or survival kits. Typhoon Pepito is expected to pass through and exit Pangasinan in the coming days.