VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Ilocos Sur has extended the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools, and work in the government sector until Thursday, Oct. 24 due to the potential impacts of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine.
Governor Jeremias Singson issued Executive Order No. 29 series of 2024 on Wednesday night, emphasizing that the suspension was declared as a stringent measure being done to protect the lives and minimize the damage of properties of exposed communities from the possible adverse effects of STS Kristine.
As of 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 23, the central and southern portions of the province, including the towns of Cervantes, Quirino, Sigay, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Salcedo, Gregorio del Pilar, San Emilio, Lidlidda, Burgos, San Esteban, Santiago, Banayoyo, Galimuyod, Santa Lucia, Nagbukel, Santa Maria, and Narvacan,and the City of Candon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3.
Meanwhile, the rest of the province is under TCWS No. 2.
The provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), has prepared 50 hygiene kits, 100 sleeping kits, 100 family kits, and 1,000 family food packs to provide immediate relief to those who may be affected by the severe tropical storm.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which recommended the suspension, also advised on the implementation of forced evacuation in all areas identified and declared at risk.
In the executive order, the governor ordered mandatory preemptive evacuations, especially in low-lying areas, and to avoid areas affected by repeated flooding and landslides.
According to the Municipal Police Station of Suyo, Ilocos Sur, 14 families which included 41 individuals were assisted in a preemptive evacuation.
These families, who evacuated to stay with relatives in safer areas, were living near a river in Barangay Cabugao, Suyo.
Moreover, the governor urged the public to take precautionary measures, observe minimum public health standards, follow advisories, and cooperate with their respective local authorities in case of an evacuation. (MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
