The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) on Monday morning as the area continues to experience moderate to heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena.
The DSWD-13 said activation of the QRT through its Disaster Response Management Division ensures immediate action during emergencies and enhances coordination with local government units (LGUs) for timely and effective response operations.
As of 11 a.m. on Monday, the center of Verbena was located 205 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Surigao City.
The weather disturbance has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, gusts up to 55 kph, and a central pressure of 1002 hectopascal (hPa).
Verbena is currently moving westward and approaching the region.
As of Monday, the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, parts of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
“The DSWD-13 remains on full alert and ready to serve whenever and wherever help is needed,” the agency said.
Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. issued an order on Monday reiterating safety protocols and guidelines to all agencies amid the ongoing Verbena threat.
The EO also activated the province’s Emergency Operation Centers under Blue Code alert status.
Demerey further directed the LGUs and relevant agencies to carry out proactive monitoring of areas prone to flooding, storm surges and landslides, especially those saturated by previous storms. (PNA)