Lucena private establishments asked to close shop early as Rolly looms

LUCENA CITY – Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala on Sunday appealed to owners of private establishments in this city to close their shops early due to worsening weather conditions brought by Typhoon Rolly (international name “Goni”).

Arnel Avila, city public information officer, posted Alcala’s request on social media early afternoon Sunday.

“Mayor Alcala wants to ensure the safety of the workers and for them to go home early to their respective families,” Avila said. Lucena is the capital of Quezon province.

Citing the forecast of the state weather bureau, Avila said Rolly, packing maximum sustained winds of 225 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 280 kph, poses a serious threat to people’s lives and properties.

Rolly, now downgraded to typhoon from the previous super typhoon category, is expected to pass Quezon province Sunday afternoon until evening.

Alcala has ordered the city disaster risk reduction management office to conduct pre-emptive evacuation of residents along the Iyam and Dumacaa rivers and the Tayabas Bay coastline.

On October 8 and 9, heavy rains triggered the twin rivers to overflow and caused two successive flash floods that resulted in the evacuation of more than 500 families living along the side of the rivers.

The riverbanks were inundated with mud and water, which cascaded from Mt. Banahaw.

The city social welfare office reported that at least 2,457 families or 9,958 individuals were preemptively evacuated.

Avila appealed to other residents in disaster-prone areas to heed the evacuation order for their own safety.

He said the residents should also consider the safety of the rescuers.

/MUF