The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has activated its nationwide disaster preparedness and response protocols as Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi) threatens the country.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, in a news release Thursday, has placed all DENR offices, bureaus, regional units, and attached agencies on full emergency readiness to protect personnel, government assets, and environmentally critical areas.

“Kapag mayroong bagyo, dapat palaging maaga ang ating paghahanda at aksyon. Walang mas mahalaga kundi ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tao at ang proteksyon ng ating kalikasan (Whenever there’s a storm, we should always be prepared and ready. There is nothing more important than the safety of our people and the protection of our natural resources),” he said, stressing the urgency of early action to minimize risks.

The DENR said the order activated the agency’s Disaster Response Teams, Emergency Response Teams, and Incident Management Teams nationwide, with designated focal persons tasked to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and coordination.

In line with the order, Regional Executive Directors and field offices have also intensified coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), local disaster risk reduction and management councils, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and local government units (LGUs) to monitor the typhoon’s movement and issue geohazard advisories.

Special attention is given to communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides, where weather conditions could rapidly deteriorate as the storm approaches.

Preparations on the ground include the dissemination of official weather bulletins, reminders on evacuation procedures and designated assembly areas, and measures to keep communication lines operational to ensure the continuous flow of information throughout the emergency.

All LGUs in flood- and landslide-prone and coastal communities were likewise advised to undertake preemptive evacuations whenever necessary and secure government records and critical equipment before conditions worsen.

All DENR units were directed to submit preparedness reports and regular situation reports to the central office, including updates on casualties, missing personnel, damage to facilities and government property, environmental incidents, operational disruptions, and resource requirements.

The department has also identified skeletal personnel who will continue providing essential services and has prepared alternative work arrangements to maintain operations while minimizing risks to employees.

Meanwhile, Cuna appealed to the public to remain alert, heed government warnings, and stay away from danger zones such as rivers, mountain slopes, and coastal areas.

“Ang sama samang pag-iingat ang pinakamabisang depensa sa kalamidad. Makinig sa mga abiso, maghanda, at kumilos nang maagap (Collective vigilance is the most effective defense against disasters. Listen to advisories, prepare, and act promptly),” Cuna said. (PNA)