Agusan Norte ramps up preparedness ahead of TD Basyang
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The members of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), chaired by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosdell M. Amante, convened for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) to ensure coordinated preparations for Tropical Depression (TD) Basyang.
“Preparedness saves lives. We must act early, work together, and ensure that every local government unit is ready to respond to any possible impact of TD Basyang,” Governor Amante said.
PAGASA-Butuan Chief Meteorological Officer Ver Lancer Galanida reported that all barangays in the province are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. He urged residents and local government units to monitor water levels, remain vigilant, and follow official advisories.
All municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices reported their preparedness measures. MDRRMO Nasipit placed responders on full standby, with three ambulances and heavy equipment ready for deployment, and MDRRMO Tubay activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with personnel, vehicles, prepositioned heavy equipment, and 587 food packs prepared for distribution. The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte–Butuan City Chapter also mobilized its 143 volunteers, deployed an emergency medical services (EMS) team, and established a communication center.
PDRRMO Chief Erma Suyo urged local offices to strengthen early warning systems, emphasizing that “Early warning systems should not only inform but also guide our communities on what actions to take. Barangay officials must always be included in PDRA meetings so they fully understand the possible impacts of disasters in their respective areas.”
She added that all equipment should be prepositioned, communication channels maximized, and lessons learned from previous disasters fully implemented. The Provincial Emergency Operations Center is now activated in preparation for TD Basyang, with member agencies providing inputs during the PDRA held Tuesday, February 4. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
