NDRRMC warns of China rocket debris expected to fall in Ilocos, Cagayan
Debris from China’s rocket launch is expected to drop in the waters near Ilocos Norte and Cagayan this weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) warned.
The NDRRMC, in a memorandum, said that the debris would be coming from the scheduled launch of Long March 7A sometime between today, June 28, and Sunday, June 30 from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan.
Parts of the rocket are expected to drop in the identified drop zones that are approximately 75 nautical miles (NM) away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 126 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan.
The NDRRMC advised relevant government agencies to monitor, issue notices, and impose temporary restrictions in the drop zones to ensure public safety.
The public is urged to inform the local authorities immediately of any suspected debris found at sea or on land.
The Philippine Space Agency also warned against retrieving or being near the proximity of materials to minimize possible risk from remnants of toxic substances.
This launch is part of China's space program, which aims to make it a dominant player in space exploration, rivaling other major world powers like the United States.
Last week, CNN reported that suspected debris from a Chinese rocket was seen plummeting in a village in southwest China.
Eyewitnesses told the news outlet that “there was a pungent smell and the sound of an explosion.”
Authorities in a now-deleted government notice said that the public should "keep away from the debris to prevent harm from 'toxic gas and explosion.'" Taking photos and videos of the debris is also “strictly forbidden.”
In March, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) expressed concern that parts of a Chinese rocket launch could fall into Ilocos Sur and Catanduanes waters.