The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has directed all electric cooperatives (ECs) to make the necessary preparations for the effects of a typhoon, which is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this weekend.

The NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department issued an advisory on November 25 requiring all ECs to take appropriate contingency measures to mitigate the impacts of potential threats that might affect their electric service to consumers.

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.

The NEA DRRMD also advised the ECs to continuously monitor weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“Necessary measures must be implemented including but not limited to line clearing, buffer and critical facility preparations,” NEA Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Artis Nikki Tortola said.

In a weather bulletin issued 11 a.m. Friday (November 29), PAGASA said Typhoon “Kammuri” has gained more strength while moving northwest slowly.

It is forecast to enter PAR between Saturday (November 30) and Sunday morning (December 1). The typhoon will be named “Tisoy” when it enters PAR and will be the 20th tropical cyclone this year, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau also said the center of typhoon was located at 1,470 kilometers east of Southern Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 170 km/h.