Police ordered to assist in evacuation as Typhoon Rolly threatens PH

Residents from Barangay Padang Legazpi City, Albay province start to evacuate in preparation for typhoon Rolly. More or less 500 families had evacuated to prevent the threat of strong winds, storm surge and lahar from Mt. Mayon. Photos taken on October 31, 2020, Saturday. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON.

MANILA, Philippines — Police commanders were directed to help residents, especially those in landslide-prone areas, to evacuate as Typhoon Rolly continues to threaten the country, Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield said Saturday.

In a statement, Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, chief of JTF COVID Shield, alerted police commanders nationwide to strategize with local government units (LGUs) to keep residents safe in their respective areas.

“In the meantime, the checking of passing motorists should also be taken as an opportunity to advise and warn the public about the danger of this typhoon and for them to follow the instructions of the LGUs and weather and disaster management officers,” Eleazar said.

“Those who are conducting community level patrol should also actively play a key role in advising and assisting the residents, especially those living in coastal areas and danger zones, to evacuate and move to safe places,” he added.

Eleazar also noted that Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has already ordered LGUs to be ready for emergency evacuations.

PNP currently has food banks prepared for areas that would be needing resources due to the impacts of the weather disturbance, Eleazar said.

Latest weather update from state meteorologists showed that Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) is moving towards the Bicol Region.

The typhoon is predicted to pass the southeastern part of Luzon in the early morning of Sunday.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of  215 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 265 kph.

CFC