MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued several families stranded in Carmen town in Surigao del Sur on Sunday as Tropical Storm Auring caused floodwaters to rise.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) posted photos on its social media accounts showing PCG personnel rescuing residents in Barangay Antao in Carmen, which was submerged waters that had risen waist-deep or higher.
“The said rescue operation was successful with the help of the PCG Auxiliary 809th Squadron,” the DOTr said.
Earlier reports from the Caraga Region said that a huge part of Surigao del Sur was without power due to Auring’s strong winds.
Meanwhile, Tandag River, which winds around Surigao del Sur’s Tandag City, overflowed and caused flooding in the area.
As of 8 p.m., Auring was located at 275 km east of Surigao City, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The storm was far from the Mindanao landmass, but satellite images showed that thick clouds, brought by both Auring and the northeast monsoon, continued to cover huge parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Pagasa said that Auring was maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph.
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