MANILA, Philippines – As Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) enters the Philippines’ area of responsibility on Thursday, DepED Issues urgent memo and the Philippine, Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), has warned the public of Haiyan’s landfall on Friday, November 8, 2013 at around 11 am to 1 pm in the afternoon.
Below is the DepED Memo issued by Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC:
“Additional Reminders regarding Typhoon Yolanda (TS Haiyan)
URGENT MEMORANDUM
TO:ALL SCHOOL HEADS
FROM :BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC, Secretary
DATE :6 November 2013
SUBJECT : Additional Reminders regarding Typhoon Yolanda (TS Haiyan)
This is to reiterate the earlier memorandum from Undersecretary Rizalino D. Rivera on the precautionary measures in anticipation of typhoon Yolanda. As discussed during the NDRRMC emergency meeting today, school heads are hereby advised to take precautionary measures in anticipation of strong winds (which could reach a speed of up to 200 kph) and heavy rains that may affect specifically the provinces of Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Romblon, Masbate, and Palawan.
(1) As directed in our earlier memo, school heads are reminded to work with their respective school communities and ensure that:
a) computers and other electrical equipment are unplugged; and,
b) textbooks, furniture, and other important materials are moved to safer areas.
(2) Additionally, the following measures should also be undertaken with the help of the local community or LGU:
a) secure roof beams with wires or heavy duty ropes;
b) board up jalousies and windows with plywood or other secure material; and,
c) prune trees especially those adjacent to buildings and along electrical posts.
(3) For schools that have been designated by LGUs as evacuation centers, school heads should immediately contact their respective Division Offices via text message and identify the DepED school coordinator and contact details.
We continue to pray that under your leadership we will be better prepared to any difficulties ahead.
Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC
Secretary”
Meanwhile, PAGASA has been keeping updates about the progress of the storm on its Official Twitter and Facebook account: the latest update is found below:
“THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY No.13 #MPRSD
07:51 PM 06 NOVEMBER 2013
Thunderstorm is affecting portions of #ZamboangaPeninsula, #MisamisOccidental, #SurigaoDelNorte, #SurigaoDelSur and #AgusanDelNorte which may persist for 1-2 hours.
All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong winds, lightning and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates.”
The landfall on Friday, November 8, would affect, mostly, the Central Visayas Region. Major water reservoirs in Luzon are also monitored as expected rainfall could cause problems.
The public is warned to take precautionary measures. Those in low lying areas should be ready for any evacuation warnings. First aid kits and other necessary paraphernalia should be prepared in advance.
PAGASA also disclosed the following:
“This weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow early morning (Nov. 7). It is expected to make landfall over Samar-Leyte provinces by Friday (Between 11am-1pm, Nov. and to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday early morning (Nov.10).”
Check back later for updates on Super Typhoon Yolanda’s progress.
