Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has ordered all police commanders to immediately conduct post-typhoon assessments in their respective areas to help government agencies determine the impact of Typhoon “Inday” on the ground.
Nartatez said the assessments would serve as a basis for disaster management and response plans, especially in communities that may have been severely affected by the weather disturbance.
“Every minute matters in emergency and disaster responses so my order is for every chiefs of police to immediately conduct post-typhoon assessment to come up with the best plan to assist all our affected kababayan,” Nartatez said.
While the typhoon did not and was unlikely to make landfall based on forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, its wide circulation brought strong winds and heavy rains to several areas.
Several local government units also suspended classes to ensure the safety of learners.
Storm Signal No. 2 was hoisted over Batanes, while at least 11 provinces were placed under Storm Signal No. 1.
Nartatez said the post-typhoon assessments would help authorities identify areas where response and assistance for affected residents should be focused.
The PNP has mobilized personnel and resources ready for deployment anytime and anywhere, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to prepare for the effects of the typhoon.
Some disaster response teams have also been prepositioned, particularly in areas placed under tropical cyclone wind signals.
All police units were placed under heightened alert status on Thursday to maximize police assistance.
Aside from typhoon response efforts, Nartatez said police forces in the Negros Island Region were also directed to coordinate with local government units to provide assistance to communities affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island produced a moderately explosive eruption on Thursday, July 9, with ashfall reaching parts of Cebu province.
PHIVOLCS maintained Alert Level 2 over Kanlaon, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest.