LEGAZPI CITY – Albay is now prepared for Tropical Depression Ofel which has moved to the direction of Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region.

Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, who is also Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chairman, on Tuesday issued an advisory ordering municipal and city disaster officials to initiate preparedness measures in their respective areas.

“Initiate local preparedness measures in their respective area of jurisdiction and call for emergency preparedness meeting of the local disaster councils,” he said in the advisory.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast “Ofel” to bring moderate to heavy rains over Eastern Visayas, Surigao Provinces, Dinagat Island, Sorsogon, Albay, and Catanduanes.

In the advisory, fishermen and small sea craft are prevented from venturing out into the sea.

Bichara also told disaster officials to closely monitor the weather advisories from PAGASA and Albay PDRRMC that are released through the local radio stations.(PNA)