Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has called on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to provide clearer and more specific weather forecasts to lessen the impact of typhoons.
Tolentino made the suggestion during his radio program, Usapang Tol, highlighting the need for clear and quantifiable data in PAGASA’s weather reports to help prevent future disasters.
“PAGASA should not only release warnings like signal numbers 3 or 4. They should also specify the expected amount of rainfall in concrete terms,” the senator from Cavite said.
“For example, they could say that the rainfall will be three times heavier than usual, or provide other clear indicators. This would be more understandable and could save lives. What happened in Talisay, where residents were caught off-guard by the volume of rainfall, could have been avoided with clearer warnings,” he added.
During the same program, Tolentino spoke with Talisay, Batangas Mayor Nestor Natanauan, who confirmed that 20 people tragically lost their lives due to a landslide caused by the recent Typhoon Kristine. Among the victims were 15 children and five adults.
Natanauan emphasized that residents will not be allowed to the landslide area due to the high risk of recurrence.
“With another powerful typhoon like Leon on the way, the residents should be in safe locations. Just as we designated safe areas during the Taal Volcano eruption, it’s crucial that we have secure evacuation sites prepared,” advised Tolentino.
In response to natural calamities, Tolentino previously spearheaded a housing project for 400 families displaced by the Taal eruption.
Natanauan thanked the lawmaker, saying, “They are now safe, thanks to Senator Tolentino’s efforts.”
Tolentino also visited the affected areas in Talisay to pay his respects and witnessed the burial of some of the landslide victims.IMT
