Palace: Gov't ready for 'Egay,' possible incoming cyclone

Malacañang reassured the public on Sunday concerned government agencies are ready for the effects of tropical cyclone “Egay" and potential incoming cyclone “Falcon." Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has coordinated with its local counterparts on what measures to take. “Mino-monitor natin ang situation. Sabi ng PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] may magkasunod na dalawang bagyo," Valte said on government radio dzRB. She was referring to PAGASA’s forecasts that a potential incoming cyclone may enter Philippine territory shortly after Egay leaves the country. Earlier, PAGASA said Egay poses a threat to the Cagayan area in northern Luzon as the tropical depression continues moving north. Aside from the NDRRMC, Valte said PAGASA is regularly informing the public on the position of Egay through hourly updates on its Twitter account. She also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has stockpiled relief items in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone. Other agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways have also pre-positioned equipment to clear or repair roads and bridges, she said. Meanwhile, Valte echoed the advice of PAGASA to residents in low-lying areas of the possibility of flash floods and landslides. “As it is, saturated ang lupa, mas malaki ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng baha. Ibayong ingat lang po at subaybayan ang update ng Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA para malaman ang track ng bagyo," she said. — LBG, GMA News