DISPLACED. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Surigao del Sur reported that Tropical Storm Kabayan has affected some 15,705 families or 57,718 individuals in 70 barangays as of Monday (Dec. 18, 2023). Photo shows some of the evacuees from the affected barangays in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, seeking temporary refuge in a designated evacuation center. (Photo courtesy of Bislig LGU)
TANDAG CITY – At least 19,000 residents in coastal villages and areas prone to flooding and landslide were evacuated by their respective local government units (LGUs) since Sunday evening in Surigao del Sur province due to the threats of Tropical Storm (TS) Kabayan.
Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel said Monday the entire province was placed under red alert status and that the LGUs have been directed to implement forced evacuations, activate emergency centers, and ensure the availability of evacuation centers.
Pimentel also ordered the temporary suspension of work in public and private offices.
Some 70 barangays in the province with 15,705 families or 57,718 individuals are directly affected by the onslaught of TS Kabayan, data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said.
Of the total number of affected families, 5,454 or 19,362 individuals were displaced from their homes and are temporarily settling in 83 evacuation centers in the different towns of the province.
“The numbers may change as monitoring of the situation on the ground continues,” PDRRMO said in an advisory.
Meanwhile, in the town of Claver in Surigao del Norte, the local DRRM said eight families consisting of 22 individuals from two barangays were staying in designated evacuation centers.
TS Kabayan made landfall in Barangay Concepcion, Manay, Davao Oriental at around 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) said it has PHP3.4 million worth of raw materials and food items available for augmentation to LGUs and PHP5 million standby funds.
Northern Mindanao suspend classes, work
Meanwhile, the LGUs in Northern Mindanao have suspended classes and work as preventive measures against TS Kabayan.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy has activated the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) office in full preparation with rescuers on standby, including the 80 Barangay DRRM units.
Uy also issued an order suspending classes at both elementary and high school levels. Some universities issued respective memoranda for the suspension of classes on their respective campuses.
Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Mayor Erick Cañosa also ordered its 79 barangays to prepare its rescue vehicles, evacuation centers, and food supplies.
Municipalities in Misamis Oriental such as Manticao and Jasaan already suspended all-level classes.
In Camiguin province, Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo also suspended classes and at the same time deferred shipping operations.
Camiguin preemptively evacuated 14 families or 73 individuals from a disaster-prone community in Sagay.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority reported several seaports in the region were also suspended in operation on Monday, except Mukas Port which connects commuters between Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, and Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental via barge.
DSWD-10 (Northern Mindanao) said an initial 34,068 family food packs have been prepositioned across the region.
Davao Region preparations
Meanwhile, all provinces in Davao Region except Davao del Sur have suspended classes at all levels in both private and public schools as well as work in government agencies on Monday due to inclement weather.
The provincial governments that declared suspension were Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental and Davao Occidental.
Kabayan made landfall along the coast of Davao Oriental at 9 a.m. Monday.
“To ensure the safety and the welfare of the public from any untoward incidents that the storm may cause, work in the provincial government offices is suspended and shall take effect until the situation improves,” Davao del Norte Edwin Jubahib said in a memorandum.
Jubahib said all local chief executives are authorized to declare the suspension of work and classes in their respective jurisdiction based on their local situation's risk assessment
However, Jubahib said agencies involved in delivering basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.
In this city, Mayor Sebastian Duterte also suspended classes and work in national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, except for offices performing safety and security, health, social services and disaster and emergency response services.
“The private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees,” he added. (PNA)
