Storm clouds loom over houses ruined by the onslaught of supertyphoon Rolly (Goni) in Virac, Catanduanes on Tuesday. The provincial government has ordered a mandatory evacuation as Tropical Storm Ulysses (Vamco) threatens the Bicol region. Photo by Fernan Gianan, Contributor
LEGAZPI CITY –– The local government of Catanduanes has ordered a mandatory evacuation on Tuesday as Tropical Storm “Ulysses” (international name: Vamco) threatens the Bicol region.
Gov. Joseph Cua has directed all local officials to evacuate residents in coastal areas and families whose houses were damaged by Supertyphoon “Rolly” on Nov. 1.
The province was among the Bicol areas hardest-hit by Rolly that left 13,977 houses destroyed and 23,897 damaged.
Earlier, officials said the evacuees would be housed in private abodes and other safe spaces as all evacuation centers have been devastated.
In its 5 a.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and the eastern portion of Masbate (Aroroy, Pio V. Corpuz, Cataingan, Palanas, Uson, Dimasalang, Masbate City, Mobo, Baleno), including Ticao, and Burias Islands.