(Image courtesy of PAGASA)
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 812 families or 3,148 persons in flood and landslide-prone areas in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte were evacuated to safer grounds as Tropical Storm Paeng approaches the Bicol Region, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Friday.
In an interview, OCD-Bicol spokesperson Gremil Alexis Naz said at least 534 families or 2,075 persons were preemptively evacuated in Basud, Daet, Mercedes, and Vinzons towns, all in Camarines Norte; and 278 families or 1,073 persons in Buhi, Cabusao, Calabanga, Gainza, Garchitorena, Libmanan, Magarao, Pasacao, Sagñay, Siruma and Tinambac towns, all in Camarines Sur.
Naz said they are still waiting for reports from other provinces as ongoing preemptive evacuations are being conducted.
Albay Gov. Noel Rosal ordered Friday the preemptive evacuation of residents exposed to flood, storm surge, lahar flow, and landslide-prone areas, particularly in the eastern flank of the province.
He also ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents in gullies and tributaries for possible mudflows, and families with houses made of light materials.
Anticipating heavy rains spawned by TS Paeng, the Albay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has directed its counterparts in the 15 towns and three cities to be on alert for possible adverse events in low-lying areas and mountain slopes.
Early suspension of work both in private and by the government was also ordered for the community and family to provide enough time to prepare and minimize the possible adverse effects of the incoming storm.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has put on standby some 37,983 family food packs (FFPs) in different warehouses. Each family food pack can provide food on the table for two days for a family of five members.
For augmentation purposes, another PHP 11.2 million worth of stockpile is ready for repacking for augmentation purposes.
The stockpile is composed of 52,900 kilograms of rice; 77,348 cans of corned beef; 105,756 cans of sardines; 172,396 cans of tuna; 314,085 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee; and 134,390 cans of cereal drink, that is good for 20,000 families.
On top of these, a PHP 5-million standby fund is ready for additional purchase of food packs or any kits as needed.
The Bicol Region is stepping up preparations as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Lagonoy, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, Iriga City, Saglay, Buhi.)
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Camarines Norte and the rest of Camarines Sur. (PNA)
