The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) placed the country under red alert at noon Thursday, preparing for the impact of Tropical Depression Crising, which is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Friday and potentially make landfall over mainland Cagayan this weekend.
The upgraded alert level means round-the-clock monitoring and mobilization of all major national response units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police. These agencies are now required to maintain a 24-hour presence at the NDRRMC Operations Center inside Camp Aguinaldo.
PAGASA, the country’s official weather bureau, said in its 11 a.m. bulletin that Crising has already triggered Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over 14 areas, warning residents to brace for moderate to strong winds, scattered rains, and possible flooding or landslides.
Weather specialist Shelly Ignacio said Crising could intensify into a tropical storm within the day due to favorable atmospheric conditions. She added that sea travel remains risky in areas under signal warning, especially for small vessels.
Emergency response operations on high alert
With the red alert in effect, the country’s disaster management infrastructure has shifted to its highest level of readiness. Technical staff from various agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Agriculture (DA), have also been ordered to render duty alongside uniformed responders.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Health (DOH) were also directed to join inter-agency operations to prepare for the worst-case scenario in storm-hit provinces.
NDRRMC spokesperson Edgar Posadas said they are now closely coordinating with all regional disaster councils to ensure swift resource mobilization and preemptive evacuations where needed.
He explained that the red alert status allows government agencies to maximize manpower and logistics across all affected areas.
Local governments cancel classes, flights affected
Several local government units in Northern Luzon have already suspended classes at all levels in anticipation of heavy rains and possible flooding. As of this writing, two domestic flights have been canceled due to poor visibility and wind conditions.
According to a memo from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), more flight delays or cancellations could occur if Crising continues to move toward the Philippine landmass with increased intensity.
LGUs in Isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, and portions of the Cordillera Administrative Region have also begun issuing early advisories for residents in low-lying and coastal barangays. Some local disaster offices have started preparing evacuation centers and relief goods.
Crising may intensify further into severe tropical storm
As of Thursday morning, PAGASA’s forecast models showed Crising sustaining maximum winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. The weather disturbance was last spotted 530 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, moving westward at 20 km/h.
Meteorologists warned that the storm has a strong chance of intensifying into a severe tropical storm by Friday evening, possibly packing winds of more than 90 km/h.
PAGASA’s updated track suggests that Crising could hit mainland Cagayan by Saturday or early Sunday if it maintains its current trajectory.
The agency added that residents in Northern and Central Luzon, especially those near mountain slopes and riverbanks, should prepare for flash floods and landslides, particularly as the soil is already saturated from previous rains.
Coastal communities on watch
In coastal communities, especially those facing the Pacific Ocean, authorities have urged fishermen and small boat operators to stay ashore.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported increased wave activity and rough sea conditions off Northern Luzon. Ports in the region have been placed under watch, with potential temporary closures if sea conditions worsen.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has prepositioned family food packs in major regional warehouses. Each region under potential threat of landfall has been directed to ensure that evacuation centers meet health protocols and have adequate water and power supplies.
Agriculture sector prepares for impact
The Department of Agriculture is also bracing for damage. In its advisory, the DA warned that heavy rains may damage newly planted crops in Cagayan Valley and nearby areas.
Field officers have been instructed to assess potential vulnerabilities in rice and corn production zones and coordinate with farmers on precautionary steps.
DA regional spokesperson Liza Rivera said they are also monitoring poultry and livestock facilities for possible evacuation or emergency sheltering of animals.
Nation braces for Crising’s next move
As Crising gathers strength and inches closer to the Philippines, all eyes remain on the forecast track and intensity models. With 14 areas already under wind signal warnings, and a red alert status now in place, authorities remain on heightened alert.
The storm’s center is moving steadily, and experts say any shift in direction could place more provinces under direct threat.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.