Bicol LGUs take down Christmas decors ahead of Kammuri arrival

Local government officials in Bicol have started the removal and clearing of Christmas decorations that were set up in public areas in anticipation of the possible onslaught of Typhoon “Tisoy,” including this 60-foot Christmas tree in Legazpi City’s Peñaranda Park. Photo by Mark Alvic Esplana, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY—Local city governments in Bicol have started taking off Christmas decorations Saturday ahead of the expected entry of Typhoon Kammuri into the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Typhoon Kammuri, which will be named Typhoon Tisoy when it enters PAR, slightly slowed down as it maintained strength, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Adminstration (Pagasa) in their lastest advisory.

Christmas decorations including a 60-foot tall Christmas tree at the Peñaranda Park in this city were taken off upon the order of Mayor Noel Rosal, said Miladee Azur, disaster risk reduction and management officer here said.

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara has also postponed the Chrismas tree lighting ceremony that was set on Monday.

Azur said that localized evacuations will commence on Monday in almost all Legazpi City villages, especially in those at risk of flooding and landslides.

In Tabaco City, Christmas decorations will be taken off Saturday, Hugo Buen, the city’s DRRMO, told Inquirer.

In Naga City in Camarines Sur, the General Services Department (GSD) were finishing clearing operations of Christmas decorations in Plaza Rizal, Quince Martires park, and in front of the city hall.

Arthur Abonal, GSD head, told Inquirer that they will also start trimming trees along secondary lines to prevent further destruction.

The state weather bureau Pagasa, in their latest advisory, also said that the intensification of Typhoon Tisoy into a supertyphoon is less likely, but they are not ruling out the possibility.

Tisoy is expected to be in the vicinity of Lupi, Camarines Sur on Tuesday morning.

Edited by JPV