The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is undertaking “Yolanda-level” preparations as Typhoon “Mangkhut” moved toward the northern part of the country. Several provinces in northern Luzon, including Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Batanes and the Babuyan group of islands, began experiencing gusty winds and heavy rain on Tuesday. The Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has placed on red alert its troops and reservists for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. ADVERTISEMENTOffice of Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad wanted preparations to be at the level of Yolanda, NDRRMC spokesperson Edgar Posadas said at a press conference on Tuesday. In undertaking Yolanda-level preparations, Posadas said redundancy was the main focus.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 11, 2018 23:15 UTC