Camarines Sur gov orders pre-emptive evacuation of families in high-risk areas as Dante nears

LEGAZPI CITY – Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte has ordered on Tuesday the pre-emptive evacuation of families in high-risk areas amid the threat of Tropical Storm Dante (international name: Choi-wan).

In a memorandum, Villafuerte said the families living in coastal villages, flood and landslide-prone areas must be evacuated in facilities not used for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Officials were reminded of the minimum health standards and evacuation protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The province was placed under “red alert status” which directs all local disaster councils to activate their respective 24/7 Emergency Operation Center to ensure that appropriate measures are undertaken.

Villafuerte also ordered a “no-sailing” policy on all seaports, while fisherfolk using small and large vessels were also prohibited from catching fish along the coastal waters.

In its 8 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Dante was located at 55 km East Northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It is moving northwestward at a speed of 30 kph and is expected to make landfall over the Northern portion of Easter Samar.

Pagasa said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Island, Albay and Sorsogon.