The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on local chief executives to prepare for another low-pressure area which may intensify into a tropical depression to be named “Paolo” once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility.

Based on the latest weather advisory, the LPA, which could gain strength and become the 16th typhoon in the country, may affect areas still reeling from tropical cyclones MIRASOL, NANDO, and OPONG, raising the risk of flooding, landslides, and river overflow in rain-saturated communities.

At the same time, the Easterlies are forecast to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, and Northern Samar, with the rest of the country expecting isolated rainshowers. Flash floods and landslides are possible due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

In its Advisory, the DILG urged local government units to maintain close coordination with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and carry out preparedness measures. Among such measures are: launching preemptive clean-up operations, declogging drainage systems, pruning trees, and prepositioning garbage trucks and response personnel. Barangay officials are also urged to mobilize communities in cleaning public areas to help reduce flooding risks.

Local governments must also intensify public information campaigns through local media and community channels to advise residents, especially those in high-risk areas, to prepare emergency kits, secure homes, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.

This directive supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a resilient, responsive Bagong Pilipinas guided by proactive and effective local governance.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-URGES-LGUs-TO-PREPARE-FOR-LPA-LIKELY-TO-BECOME-TROPICAL-DEPRESSION-PAOLO/NC-2025-1219