POST-EVACUATION CLEARING. A backhoe is seen on Monday (July 24, 2023) clearing a flooded bridge in Barangay Salvacion, Puerto Princesa City. Some 89 families were temporarily brought to relocation centers while Typhoon Egay was at its peak. (Photo courtesy of Puerto Princesa City Information Office)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) on Tuesday reported the evacuation of 89 families residing in the city’s rural barangays to safer locations due to heavy rainfall brought on by Typhoon Egay.
Richard Ligad, the city’s information officer, disclosed that the evacuation carried out by CDRRMO personnel commenced as early as dawn on Monday.
He said that a total of 277 individuals, from Barangays Tagabinet, Lucbuan, Salvacion, Bacungan, Babuyan, Mauyon, Sta. Lourdes, Tanabag, Sicsican, San Rafael, Concepcion and Irawan were whisked away by rescue workers when it became evident that river waters were quickly rising.
“Some rivers and bridges in the northern part of the city overflowed, but roads are still passable,” Ligad said.
Raging waters in rivers passing through Barangays Irawan, Maruyugon, Concepcion, San Rafael, Tagburos and Mauyon had already exceeded the elevation of bridges there during the time of evacuation, he added.
In response to the situation, the CDRRMO has teamed up with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to promptly clear roads and bridges, especially those covered in thick mud, debris and fallen trees.
Ligad said that as an added precautionary measure, the Philippine Coast Guard has suspended sea travel due to gale warnings issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The CDRRMO Emergency Operation Center remains vigilant and fully prepared for any potential scenarios and continuously monitors the situation, he assured.
It was also disclosed the City Engineering and City Social Welfare and Development offices are currently on standby, and ready to respond to any emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) announced the cancellation of classes across all levels in both private and public schools.
Jeremias Alili, the head of PDRRMO, said that work has also been suspended in all government offices and private companies in Palawan.
Prior to this province-wide action, the local government units of El Nido, San Vicente and Culion Island proactively suspended classes and work in their respective areas, and declared that they were in “blue alert” status. (PNA)
