5,000 people evacuated in Zambales due to ‘Ompong’

Zambales (outlined in red) (Image from Google Maps)

An estimated of 5,000 people transferred to evacuation centers in Zambales on Saturday as Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: “Mangkhut”) hit the country.

Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso said he had ordered the evacuation of citizens, especially those who live near rivers.

“Ngayon wala kaming kalsada na malalim ang tubig. Lahat ng kalsada namin passable. Wala masyadong damage kada bayan. But ‘yung mga nasa malapit sa ilog, wala pang danger, pero just for protection, for safety, pinalikas ko,” Deloso told Radyo Inquirer on Saturday.

(Today, we don’t have flooded areas. Aall roads are passable. There is not much damage in the towns. Those who live near rivers are not in big danger, but I ordered that they evacuate just for protection and for their safety.)

Deloso also noted that Santa Cruz had the most number of evacuees out of the 10 municipalities in Zambales.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Zamboanga is under the Signal No. 2. /atm