Thursday, June 23, 2011

Thousands evacuated in Albay as 'Falcon' passes Bicol

By Phil Star, Thursday, June 23, 2011

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) in Albay has evacuated a total of 68,886 persons or 14,552 families as of noon today, who are all threatened by flooding brought by tropical storm Falcon.

PDRRMC chairman and Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the number of evacuees might increase depending on the weather condition.

The provincial government has initiated all necessary contingency measures specially in flood and landslide prone areas.

The PDRRMC also confirmed that due to floods, roads in Barangays Masarawag, Guinobatan, Sitio Paclas, Isidro, Libon and Sua-Quirangay are impassable. As of 12:00 noon, the upland roads in Polangui are also impassable because of a landslide.

Governor Salceda said the Philippine Army has prepositioned six trucks in the municipalities of Polangui, Libon and Oas, all in Albay, for the immediate evacuation of other flooded threatened residents.

The Philippine Navy has been tasked to distribute relief goods in the island of Batan, Rapu-rapu.

The PDRRMC of Albay reiterated its call to all mayors to evacuate immediately those residents located in the flood prone areas.

On the other hand, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office in Bicol reported that 11 persons are missing in Albay and Catanduanes.

OCD regional director Raffy Alejandro said the missing persons have been identified as Rose Belga, 54, believed to have been swept away by ranging waters in Sitio Buga, Barangay Basag, Ligao City; Antonio Bailon, 40; Nestor Tapit Magdasoc, 50; Vicente Rodriguez Tapit, 40; Prospero Tabios; Paquito Tabuzo; Rolando Sarmiento Tabor; Denver Sta Ines; Pedro Balingit, 37; Jason Balingit; and Jonsy Rodriguez, all fishermen and residents of Bato and Virac, Catanduanes.

Alejandro said that Philippine Navy and the Coast Guard are now conducting search operation.

Meanwhile, 210 persons have been stranded in the sea ports of Tabaco City and Pioduran, Albay as of press time. (PNA)

PhilStar

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