More families living in vulnerable neighborhoods were evacuated by the city’s rescue workers on Wednesday morning as the combined effects of Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon put them in imminent danger.
Richard Ligad, the city information officer, told reporters the number of individuals temporarily housed in evacuation centers has risen to 1,802, representing some 592 families.
On Tuesday, only 277 persons from 89 families were seeking refuge in government shelters, he said.
Ligad disclosed that evacuation efforts were focused on Barangays Tagabinet, Lucbuan, Salvacion, Bacungan, Babuyan, Maoyon, Sta. Lourdes, Tanabag, Sicsican, Concepcion, Irawan, Manalo, Langogan, San Rafael, Iwahig Farm Village, Irawan, Iratag and Maunlad.
“We’re taking care of them in our evacuation centers and were making sure they have food packs that are good for three days. The typhoon is really far from us, but because it is enhancing the southwest monsoon, we’re experiencing rains that have caused rivers to be flooded,” he said.
Ligad said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) have teamed up to ensure that the evacuees have all the supplies they need during their stay in the shelters.
He said the City Health Office (CHO) has also been conducting check-ups and have been distributing maintenance medicines to evacuees who need them.
“Mayor Lucilo Bayron is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in areas where river water levels have risen and coastal regions where residents live,” Ligad added.
Meanwhile, the towns of El Nido, San Vicente, and Roxas in Northern Palawan have also been badly hit by the prevailing weather disturbance, according to the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (PDRRMO) latest assessment.
It was reported that 44 families have been forced to flee their homes to escape flooding and minor landslides.
The PCRRMO said that 15 out of the 44 families have sought refuge with their relatives, while the remaining families are being accommodated in safe shelters provided by their local governments.
It was further revealed that uprooted trees and other debris carried by raging waters are blocking roads in Coron, San Vicente, and Narra, prompting authorities to order clearing operations. (PNA)
