The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has directed all electric cooperatives (ECs) to prepare for the possible effects of a tropical depression on their power distribution lines.
In its advisory on Wednesday (February 17), the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRMD) instructed the 121 ECs to ensure appropriate contingency measures are in place to mitigate the potential impact of Tropical Depression ‘Auring’ on their electric services.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its weather bulletin issued 11 a.m. Wednesday (February 17), said the Tropical Depression southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday and was named Auring, the first tropical cyclone of 2021.
The power distribution utilities were also directed to activate their respective Emergency Response Organization (ERO) when the need arises to implement without delay their appropriate emergency response plans; and report the significant power outages to the NEA.
Immediately after the weather disturbance, the electric co-ops are required to restore power in areas that were not affected but temporarily shut off for safety reasons; and submit damage and power situation reports to the agency.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its weather bulletin issued 11 a.m. Wednesday (February 17), said the Tropical Depression southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday and was named Auring, the first tropical cyclone of 2021.
It is forecast to move generally westward or west-southwestward in the next 12 hours. Afterwards, ‘Auring’ will move generally west-northwestward and is forecast to make landfall over Caraga on Saturday evening or Sunday morning as Tropical Storm, according to PAGASA.