LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – The pre-emptive evacuation of residents in Albay who are at risk of flooding, landslides, and storm surges begins today, November 15, and is expected to be completed by 5 p.m.
Albay Acting Governor and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Glenda Bongao, said that the goal is to achieve zero casualties by prioritizing the evacuation of vulnerable populations. This approach aims to avoid rescue operations during the impact of Severe Tropical Storm “Pepito,” which could put the lives of rescuers in danger.
“The current trajectory of TS Man-Yi [Pepito] indicates that it will directly affect Albay by Saturday night and into Sunday morning, should it maintain its course towards Southern Luzon,” Bongao said in an advisory.
She directed all local disaster risk reduction management councils to ensure that vulnerable populations susceptible to flood, flash flood, debris flow, lahar, destructive wind, landslide, and storm surge are safely transported to safe evacuation facilities.
Cedric Daep, former Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office chief and current disaster management consultant of the provincial government said that populations in coastal areas will also be evacuated to ensure their safety against the impact of storm surge.
These areas include the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco and towns of Tiwi, Malinao, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Rapu-Rapu and Manito.
“Whether Albay is directly hit or not based on Pagasa’s tracking, we will not be saved from rain. We still need to prepare for flooding like the Typhoon Kristine scenario,” Daep said.
“Evacuation must be finished by tomorrow, no more on Saturday since it’s too risky,” he added.
Pagasa has forecasted that Pepito will bring moderate to heavy rains, with expected rainfall of 50-100 mm in Albay from November 14 to 15. It will then bring heavy to intense rain, with rainfall of 100-200 mm, from 12 noon on November 16 until November 17.
Class and work suspension
Bongao suspended classes starting at 12 noon on November 14 and has also suspended work in all government offices beginning November 15.
However, this suspension does not apply to agencies that are involved in public safety, disaster risk reduction, health, and related services, which will continue to operate.
“Exempted from the suspension of work in private institutions are banks, money transfer/remittance agencies, groceries, delivery services, distributors of commodities/supplies, and drug stores,” Bongao said in the advisory.
Business transactions will be prohibited on Saturday, November 16, to ensure personnel can return home safely and allow establishments to protect their investments and assets in a timely manner.
Prepare for Pepito
Bongao advised the public to prepare for potential disruptions and to cancel any unnecessary travel plans.
“All mass gatherings, outdoor activities, educational tours, field trips, and related activities, especially those outside the province, are suspended. Previously issued permits for such activities are hereby revoked,” Bongao stated.
She encouraged families to secure their homes and complete their grocery shopping for household needs.
To minimize damage to agriculture and fisheries, Bongao recommended that farmers conduct early harvests of mature crops and marketable products, as well as ensure they have a sufficient supply of feed and fresh grass or silage for their livestock. Fishermen are also advised to secure their fishing boats and gear in safer locations. (PIA5/Albay)
