172 families evacuated in Buhi; evacuation still ongoing

LEGAZPI CITY—At least 172 families (705 individuals) have evacuated to safer grounds to prepare for possible threats of landslide and flooding, which may be triggered by rains brought by Tropical Depression “Amang” in Buhi town, Camarines Sur on Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, said “Amang” would continue to bring moderate to heavy rain over the Bicol region.

Brenda Gonzales, officer-in-charge at Buhi’s Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, said that 99 families (406 individuals) from Iraya village have been evacuated since Sunday.

The families, most of them from the indigenous group Mt. Iraya Agta, were staying at the Tambo Elementary School in Barangay Tambo.

It can be recalled that 27 casualties were recorded in Iraya after Tropical Depression “Usman” hit the area on December 29.

Meanwhile, the town’s Parish Center housed 73 families (299 persons) from San Buena, also a lakeside village in Buhi prone to flooding when Buhi lake overflows.

Gonzales said evacuation of families from Sta. Elena, Sta. Clara, San Pascual, and Sagrada were underway as of this posting.

She said that while the Red Cross was providing water in Tambo, all their evacuees still needed food.

Donations to Buhi town can be made through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through mobile number 09175158177.