Warning on China rockets issued

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday warned the public of potential debris from Beijing’s Long March 7 rocket, which are expected to land within the Philippines’ maritime territory.

In a statement, the NDRRMC said that China is scheduled to launch its Long March 7 rocket on July 15-17 by 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. as its Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan province.

Rocket debris are projected to fall 88 nautical miles away from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, 51 nautical miles away from Reed Bank near Spratly Islands, 118 nautical miles away from Busuanga, Palawan, and 33 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal.

“The public is advised to immediately inform local authorities of any suspected debris sighted at sea or land,” the agency said.

The Philippine Space Agency had also warned against retrieving or coming the rocket debris to minimize risk from remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

Personal protective equipment is needed when coming in contact with the rocket materials.

The NDRRMC also advised relevant government agencies to temporarily restrict fisherfolk in the area and issue a notice to seafarers along the projected drop zone. — Adrian H. Halili