Linemen repair the electric post that was toppled along one of the roads in Isabela during the onslaught of typhoon “Rosita' on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The province was one of the hard-hit areas in Northern Luzon. PHOTO BY DANTE DIOSINA JR. MALACAÑANG called on the public on Tuesday to be vigilant as typhoon “Rosita” (international name: Yutu) hammered Luzon.In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte was closely monitoring the areas affected by Rosita.'We ask our people, especially residents who will be affected by the typhoon, to stay vigilant, check the latest weather advisory in their respective areas via government social media accounts and coordinate with their local disaster and risk reduction management offices for appropriate and responsive action,' Panelo said.Panelo said the government was ready to implement smooth disaster response and relief to communities affected by the latest storm.'The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operation Center is now on red alert. Concerned disaster-related agencies are now on standby 24/7,' Panelo said.The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has readied stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P1.3 billion as of October 29, he added.Typhoon Rosita made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela early Tuesday, dumping heavy rains and unleashing strong winds.The typhoon is expected to hit Ifugao, Benguet and La Union before leaving the country’s area of responsibility on Wednesday.Even before Rosita made landfall, local government units in the affected areas have started preparations, including preemptive evacuations, and cancelled classes, including Metro Manila.There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. CATHERINE VALENTE
