BENECO Raises Alert Status to Red Due to Continued Heavy Rains
By: Laarni S. Ilagan
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has elevated its alert status to Red Alert in response to persistent heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon over the past two weeks.
BENECO initially raised a Blue Alert status on July 7, ahead of the expected arrival of Tropical Cyclone Bising. The cooperative activated standby protocols at that time, preparing its personnel, equipment, and materials for possible emergency response.
The decision to escalate to Red Alert was made following an assessment by BENECO’s Network Services Department (NSD) engineers, who cited the sustained heavy rainfall in Baguio City and the province of Benguet. The move was authorized by BENECO management as a proactive measure.
“Though we have yet to receive inclement weather-related damages, we raised our alert level from blue to red already to be more ready in anticipation in case the weather worsens,” said NSD manager Fraiser Angayen.
Under Red Alert, BENECO activates additional manpower, places more linemen on call, and conducts urgent inspections of its power distribution system. Engineers will also assist field personnel in identifying and correcting potential issues.
In the past, BENECO’s alert declarations have aligned with advisories from the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). (LSI)
