FLOODED. Floodwaters rise in Barangay Buntalid, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur Monday morning (Dec. 18, 2023) due to heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression Kabayan. Some 2,190 families or 6,723 persons in Caraga region are affected by the effects of the shear line and Tropical Depression "Kabayan", the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. (Photo courtesy of Jonnel Arreza Rubi Duenas)
MANILA – Some 2,190 families or 6,723 persons in Caraga region are affected by the effects of the shear line and Tropical Depression "Kabayan", the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.
In its update, the NDRRMC said about 2,072 families or 6,370 persons from 43 barangays are housed in 48 evacuation centers while 118 families or 353 individuals are being aided outside.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier said the affected families include those displaced and those not needing transfer.
Meanwhile, one port in Region 10 has suspended operations due to bad weather.
The number of stranded passengers was placed at 124 along with three ships in Caraga. There are no reports of fatalities and injuries.
OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno assured local government units in areas affected by the weather disturbance that the agency is ready to extend assistance.
Kabayan made landfall in Manay, Davao Oriental Monday.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with different agencies as well as with our regional counterparts on preparedness and response operations for ‘Kabayan.’ Appropriate protocols have been activated in different regions to be affected by this tropical cyclone,” Nepomuceno said.
The NDRRMC Operations Center raised its alert status from "blue" to "red", the highest alert level during an emergency situation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), meanwhile, reminded motorists in Caraga to take extra precautions while traveling due to “strong wind currents and heavy rains.”
The advisory added the DPWH “maintenance crew and their respective equipment are on standby to respond and assist the public.”
All roads under the Surigao del Sur 2nd District Engineering Office are open to traffic as of posting time.
“The Surigao-Davao Coastal Road including other roads within the jurisdiction of Surigao del Sur 2nd District Engineering Office are clear and passable to all types of vehicles,” it said. (With a report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
