Evacuation of families in high-risk areas in CamSur starts as ‘Bising’ nears

Source: Pagasa | April 17, 1:30 pm

LEGAZPI CITY – Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte has ordered on Saturday the evacuation of families in high-risk areas in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Bising (international name Surigae).

Villafuerte said the pre-emptive evacuation of families living in high-risk areas must be completed before 5 p.m.

The province was placed under “red alert status” which means all local disaster councils must activate their respective 24/7 emergency operation centers to ensure that appropriate measures are undertaken.

The “no-sailing” policy was also enforced on all seaports, while fisherfolk were also prohibited from catching fish along the coastal waters.

Officials were also reminded of the minimum health standards and evacuation protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Villafuerte said the COVID-19 facilities should not be utilized as evacuation centers, while the transport vehicles used during the evacuation must not exceed its 50 percent capacity.

In its 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over Sorsogon, Albay, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Goa, Ocampo, Tigaon, Sagnay, Baao, Nabua, Bato, Iriga City, Buhi, Tinambac, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan), Ticao Island, and Catanduanes.

Typhoon Bising is expected to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Camotes Islands on Sunday, the state weather bureau said.

/MUF