OCD closely monitoring new LPA

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said yesterday that it was keenly observing a new low pressure area (LPA) that has developed within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), warning it could bring rains to parts of the country in the coming days.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG and ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

The OCD conducted a hybrid interagency coordination meeting to review the latest developments and sustain unified response efforts after the LPA was spotted at 445 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3 a.m.

Aside from this, the southwest monsoon (habagat) was also affecting the western section of southern Luzon.

OCD Officer-in-Charge Asst. Sec.

Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV directed regional disaster risk reduction and management councils to remain on alert and coordinate with local government units for possible preemptive measures.

Relief goods and emergency supplies have been prepositioned in strategic locations should evacuations become necessary, he said.

He stressed that vigilance remains critical as the LPA inside the PAR has a high potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, citing a forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

"The agency urges the public to stay vigilant, heed official advisories, and continue safety precautions as monitoring and response operations remain ongoing," Alejandro said.

More rains PAGASA said the LPA east of Mindanao may develop into a tropical depression within the day and will bring significant rainfall over parts of the country.