SEA Games: Contingency plans in place as Typhoon Tisoy nears—Phisgoc

FILE – The Athletics Stadium in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac province, December 1, 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—The organizers of the Southeast Asian Games said they are fully prepared to employ contingency measures once Typhoon Tisoy hits the country.

During a press conference Monday at World Trade Center, Phisgoc chief operating officer  Tats Suzara said they have coordinated with competition managers and technical delegates for each sport regarding Tisoy, which will make landfall the southern part of Bicol Region Monday night.

“Everything is set for full contingency, all venues, all technical delegates, venue managers are ready,” said Suzara who added that if the weather is still manageable then games can still be played even without an audience.

“If necessary, the games will continue even without the viewing public, but that is as long as the category of the typhoon is manageable but if it’s that strong then we could postpone or delay some games.”

According to state weather bureau Pagasa, Tisoy is expected to bring frequent to continuous heavy to intense rains in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon–all areas that house SEA Games venues.

Suzara said that to minimize damage to property, they’ve ordered their crew to take down tents situated outdoors.

Despite the oncoming threat, Suzara is optimistic that the SEA Games will continue.

“The games will be on the same venues and the typhoon will pass by in four hours and we can resume hopefully,” said Suzara.

Tisoy will exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday afternoon.