Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla on Monday reminded local government units (LGUs) to be vigilant and prepare for Tropical Depression (TD) “Kristine”.

“Sapol ang buong silangan ng Luzon mula Aparri hanggang Legazpi at mga karatig na lalawigan. Ngayon pa lang ay may abiso na kami sa bawat LGU na maghanda at bantayan ang pagdating ni Kristine,” Remulla said in a social media post.

TD Kristine entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning.

According to PAGASA, TD Kristine is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours. It may reach severe tropical storm category by Wednesday and typhoon category by Thursday evening or Friday morning, prior to its landfall over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.

In a memorandum issued on Monday, the DILG directed LGUs to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to conduct pre-disaster risk assessments.

The LDRRMC must likewise hold regular meetings to ensure that appropriate preparedness measures are in place and timely response actions are implemented.

LGUs are also ordered to activate barangay DRRMCs for early warning measures and vigilant monitoring of areas; and inform the communities of weather updates and preparation actions of their localities through appropriate platforms.

In the same memorandum, the DILG directed LGUs to conduct preemptive or mandatory evacuation in areas with high to very high susceptibility to storm surges, floods, and landslides.

LGUs are also urged to undertake all necessary actions based on Operation L!STO protocols and DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-074, which identifies the preparedness measures of LGUs for this year’s impending La Niña and rainy season; prioritize the health and safety of all response personnel and evacuees, and the prepositioning of supplies and equipment.