The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admi­nistration (PAGASA) are closely monitoring Typhoon “Tisoy” that could possibly affect the country’s staging of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The weather disturbance, with an international name “Kammuri”, has intensified into a typhoon and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) today, the official opening of the biennial meet, or tomorrow.

It is projected to strengthen further as it approaches, and may bring continuous heavy rains over Luzon and Eastern Visayas which could cause flooding and landslides, the NDRRMC bared in its latest situation report.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and NDRRMC Executive Director Usec. Ricardo Jalad has already directed all concerned agencies to scale up preparations for the possible impacts of the typhoon.

“We cannot leave this storm to chance. Let us strengthen all preparedness efforts at the national, regional, and local government levels. We also advise affected residents to expect possible pre-emptive evacuations and take precautionary measures. Let us learn from our history of past typhoons and become more cooperative and prepared,” he said.

NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal, meanwhile, assured that it is all systems go for the agency and is fully ready to ensure the safety of all athletes, other delegates, and even spectators converging for the SEAG.

This, amid fears that the typhoon might force organizers to cancel outdoor events.

“Tisoy” is expected to bring heavy rains which may affect Central Luzon, Metro Manila, the Bicol Region, CALABARZON, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Samar Island come Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 and 4 December.

“All areas that will be affected had received information about it. Preparedness measures are already in place as per the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) Oplan Listo which covers this type of impending hazards. All preparations are ongoing in relation to Kammuri,” relayed Timbal.

“We are on blue alert here at the Central Operations Center, but we’ll keep track of updates from the ground,” he added.