1,241 families in Caraga evacuate before Auring landfall — NDRRMC spox

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1,000 families in the Caraga region left their homes as a precautionary measure as Tropical Storm Auring is expected to hit the Philippine landmass by Sunday, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesman Mark Timbal said Saturday.

“Ngayon ay nakatanggap tayo ng balita sa regional disaster council for Caraga na nagpreemptive evacuation yung 1,241 pamilya at kasalukuyang nananatili sa 36 evaucation centers at pinangangalagaan ng local governemnts na nakasakop sa kanila,” Timbal said in a televised press briefing “Laging Handa.”

(We received news from the regional disaster council for Caraga that 1,241 families conducted preemptive evacuation and are now staying at 36 evacuation centers under the care of their respective local governments.)

Timbal said the NDRRMC also advised all fishermen not to go to sea due to the weather disturbance.

Likewise, the government also advised the suspension of mining operations due to possible landslides.

Timbal also ordered local government units to monitor communities that are prone to “storm-surges and floods.”

He also reminded evacuees to always wear their face masks and ensure that physical distancing is observed during the evacuation.

The state weather bureau earlier announced that areas under Signal No. 1 will expect strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Areas under Signal No. 1

Visayas

Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor

Mindanao

Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur

Weather specialists also predict that Auring will make landfall on Caraga by Sunday afternoon or evening.

/MUF