Authorities have started the massive preemptive evacuation in Caraga region amid the threat of heavy rains due to tropical storm “Auring” that could trigger widespread flooding and landslide.
As of noon on Saturday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said a total of 1,241 families composed of almost 5,000 people have already been moved to safe places.
The evacuees are now staying in 36 evacuation centers across the region. Most of those evacuated are from coastal areas and those living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. Sea voyage and fishing activities were also prohibited as the weather disturbance could trigger storm surge.
On Thursday, OCD officials advised all local government units in eastern part of Mindanao, Visayas and Bicol region to prepare for the onslaught of “Auring” which weather forecasters said would bring moderate to heavy rains.
The OCD also released the list of barangays which were identified as prone to flooding and landslides. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Auring had a maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 has been raised over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur. (Aaron Recuenco)
