DSWD urges Puerto Galera residents to prepare as Super Typhoon Bavi nears PAR

The Department of Social Welfare and Development urges residents to ready emergency supplies, coordinate with local officials and monitor advisories as Super Typhoon Bavi—to be named Inday inside PAR—may enhance the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rains.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday urged residents of Puerto Galera and other coastal and mountainous communities to prepare and coordinate closely with their local government units as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The storm is expected to enter PAR within 24 hours and will be assigned the local name Inday once inside.

As of Tuesday, state weather authorities reported that Bavi remained outside the country’s monitoring area but could enter PAR between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. The DSWD stressed that early preparation is important for communities that may face strong winds, heavy rains, flooding or landslides.

Although current forecasts at the time of the advisory indicated that Bavi was not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, the typhoon could enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat). Residents should therefore expect the possibility of heavy rains and gusty conditions in parts of the country, including intermittent downpours and higher seas around coastal areas.

• Monitor official advisories from PAGASA, DSWD and the NDRRMC and follow instructions from your LGU and local disaster risk reduction office.
• Prepare or check emergency supply kits (water, food, medicines, first-aid kit).
• Charge mobile phones and power banks; keep portable chargers and spare batteries accessible.
• Secure important documents in waterproof containers or store digital copies.
• Secure loose outdoor items, reinforce windows/doors where possible, and move boats or equipment to safer areas.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or high winds and follow travel advisories from local authorities.
• Be ready to move to designated evacuation centres if ordered by the municipal or barangay government.

Local officials in Puerto Galera are advised to review evacuation plans and local response arrangements, including the readiness of evacuation centres, relief supplies and communication lines. DSWD typically coordinates prepositioning of relief goods and standby teams with local government units when hazards threaten communities.

Families are also encouraged to check flood-prone or landslide-prone areas near their homes and to discuss household evacuation plans in advance. People with members who require regular medical care should prepare sufficient medication and identify the nearest health facility that will remain accessible during adverse weather.

This report is based on a Philippine News Agency summary of DSWD advisories. Local conditions can change rapidly. Readers are urged to keep tuned to the latest official bulletins and to contact their barangay or municipal disaster offices for specific local instructions.

Who to contact (suggested official sources)

• PAGASA — official weather bulletins and forecast updates (visit pagasa.dost.gov.ph or official social media accounts).
• DSWD — for advisories on relief preparedness and distribution (visit dswd.gov.ph or official DSWD regional office pages).
• NDRRMC — national disaster response advisories and coordination updates (visit ndrrmc.gov.ph).
• Puerto Galera Municipal Hall and barangay offices — follow local orders for evacuation or local warnings (check municipal social media and public announcements).