Preemptive evacuation ordered in Surigao del Sur ahead of Crising

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur—The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Surigao del Sur has ordered preemptive evacuation in areas at high risk for landslide, flood and storm surge ahead of the expected landfall of Tropical Storm Crising.

Gov. Alexander Pimentel, also PDRRMC chair, issued the directive on Thursday (May 13) for mayors to step up preparations and safety measures for zero casualty during Crising.

Pimentel also reminded the officials to continue enforcing COVID-19 protocol even in evacuation sites.

Ver Lancer D. Galanida, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Butuan City, said that as of 4 p.m., the storm was 150 km southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, moving 25 km per hour west northwest, and packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 km per hour.

Galanida added that the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur will experience stormy weather which could possibly bring “moderate to heavy damage to structures and vegetation due to moderate to strong winds, and flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.”

Moderate to strong winds will prevail in the Caraga region and the seas will be moderate to rough with wave height from 1.2 meters to 3.4 meters, Galanida said.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 was hoisted over southern portions of Surigao del Sur, including the towns of Tagbina, Hinatuan, Lingig, Barobo, and Bislig City. The same storm signal was declared in the southern portion of Agusan del Sur, including the towns of Loreto, La Paz, Rosario, Bunawan, Veruela, Santa Josefa, Trento, San Francisco and Talacogon.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 has been raised in Surigao del Norte including Bucas Grande and Siargao Islands, the rest of Surigao del Sur, the rest of Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.

TSB