Residents prepare as Super Typhoon Rosal nears extreme Northern Luzon

Residents in parts of Northern Luzon have stepped up preparations as Super Typhoon Rosal continued to approach the region, while Malacañang assured the public that government agencies are ready for the storm's possible effects.

According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," residents in Batanes took advantage of fair weather conditions to prepare for the impact of the approaching super typhoon.

Windows were reinforced with wooden boards and nails, while roofs were tied down to withstand strong winds. Similar measures were also undertaken in larger buildings.

In Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, fishermen in Barangay La Paz temporarily stopped going out to sea due to rough conditions brought by the approaching weather disturbance.

Some fishermen said they were instead relying on river fishing for their daily catch.

“I fish in the river so we'll have something to eat,” one fisherman said in Filipino. He said that no one had ventured out to sea because of strong waves.

A sailing and fishing ban is currently being implemented in several municipalities in Ilocos Norte due to Super Typhoon Rosal.

As a precaution, boats have been moved to higher ground, while rescue equipment has been placed on standby by local disaster response authorities.

Evacuation centers are also ready to accommodate residents should evacuations become necessary.

In the town of Adams, Ilocos Norte, residents began experiencing rain in the morning.

Some farmers harvested crops such as lettuce and cucumbers ahead of time to prevent possible damage from the storm.

Office of Civil Defense spokesperson Junie Castillo said OCD Regions I and II have been coordinating directly with local government units in their respective areas.

He added that resources, equipment, food supplies, and non-food items had already been prepositioned in preparation for possible emergencies.

Apart from Northern Luzon, PAGASA has also raised tropical cyclone wind signals in parts of the Bicol Region.

In Catanduanes, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel operations for vessels traveling to and from parts of the province as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said government agencies are prepared for the possible effects of the super typhoon.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Health are ready to respond to conditions brought about by the storm.

Castro also advised residents in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall to collect and store rainwater amid the continuing effects of El Niño.

She added that rain brought by the typhoon could help ease the effects of El Niño in affected areas, while expressing hope that the storm would not cause significant damage. —NB, GMA News