By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Batanes has shifted into full disaster preparedness mode as Super Typhoon Inday barrels toward Northern Luzon, prompting provincial authorities to enforce a no-sail policy, pre-position emergency supplies, and activate contingency measures to protect lives and property.
Despite remaining under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 with generally fair weather on Wednesday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said preparations have been underway since last week in anticipation of the typhoon’s expected impact over the weekend.
PDRRMO chief Roldan Estigoy said all local government units have been placed on heightened alert, with family food packs strategically pre-positioned across the province and emergency response teams placed on standby.
Authorities have also completed a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) and urged residents to reinforce their homes by installing storm shutters, securing rooftops, and preparing emergency supplies before weather conditions worsen.
While no preemptive evacuation has been ordered, evacuation centers are fully prepared for immediate activation should the threat escalate.
As a key precautionary measure, the provincial government issued an Executive Order imposing a no-sail policy, banning all fishermen and small sea vessels from leaving port effective immediately.
Officials stressed that the directive was issued to prevent loss of life at sea, warning that calm weather could quickly give way to dangerous winds and massive waves as Super Typhoon Inday approaches.
Provincial authorities urged residents not to be complacent, remain vigilant, and closely monitor official weather bulletins as Batanes prepares for what could be one of the strongest weather systems to threaten the country’s northernmost province this year.
ia/xf
