New NDCC officials to meet to prepare for typhoon season

Barely a week after assuming their posts, new officials of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) will call a meeting this coming week to prepare for typhoons coming to batter the country at this time of year. Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman on Saturday said that new Defense Secretary and NDCC Chairman Voltaire Gazmin called for the meeting to take stock of preparations for cyclones. “Ang Secretary of Defense, siya ang chair ng NDCC. Tumawag siya ng technical meeting at next week tatawag sila ng NDCC meeting para siguraduhing meron tayong at least naka-preposition na relief goods at assets (The Defense Secretary chairs the NDCC and has called a technical meeting for this coming week to make sure our relief goods and assets are positioned properly)," Soliman said in an interview on dzBB radio. Gazmin, Soliman and new members of the Cabinet formally assumed their posts this week after the inauguration of new President Benigno Simeon Aquino III last June 30. Soliman said they also want to make sure there are enough standby funds to assist local governments whose areas may be affected by typhoons. “We want to make sure relief goods are positioned in areas that may be affected by typhoons," she said. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has advised its nationals in the Philippines to take precautions against typhoons, noting July marks the start of the typhoon season. In an advisory updated Thursday (Manila time), the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office also noted flooding and landslides may occur during this season. “The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November however typhoons can affect the country at any time. Over twenty tropical cyclones hit the country each year. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur," it said. It added tropical depressions and cyclones typically bring strong winds and rain to the Visayas and Luzon regions. Particular care should be taken when traveling to Northern Luzon and the Bicol, Samar and Leyte regions, it added. The FCO advised British nationals to access the latest information on the NDCC website. “During the typhoon season you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities. You can also access www.typhoon2000.ph for updates," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV