Are we ready? Here comes ’Pepeng’ BY REGINA BENGCO
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AS storm "Pepeng" entered the country, Malacañang yesterday said it is praying that the Philippines would be spared from another natural disaster as it is still reeling from the devastation wrought by storm "Ondoy."
Pepeng, as of 4 p.m. yesterday, was 940 km east of Surigao City, moving with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 22 kph. Pepeng was earlier forecast to make landfall in Luzon today or tomorrow.
Anthony Golez, deputy presidential spokesman, said the government is ready to face another possible disaster but its resources and personnel are still tied up in Metro Manila which was hardest hit by landslides and floods caused by Ondoy last weekend.
He said Ondoy was the worst storm the country has ever experienced in 100 years of history. Ondoy dumped 410 millimeters of rainwater in Metro Manila during a nine-hour period.
"It is just like preparing for Intensity 7 but Intensity 8 arrived. The systems were overworked, the people were spread too thinly trying to rescue and trying to save many people. Nevertheless our spirits are high, especially the AFP, the PNP, the rest of the employees and the helpers of the government agencies, spirits and the morale are high in serving our countrymen," he said.
Golez said government is readying its resources to answer to possible demand for help in northern Luzon where Pepeng is expected to pass.
He said national government agencies and local government officials should stockpile on relief goods in strategic areas and pre-position rescue equipment.
He also said local government officials should start drafting their contingency and rehabilitation plans for the victims of Ondoy in their localities.
He said government is prepared for disasters because President Arroyo has invested much on hazard-mapping and contingency-planning.
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