Caraga region braces for ‘Queenie’s’ passage

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte—Disaster agencies here and in the adjacent province of Agusan del Norte were placed on red alert as regional authorities braced themselves for the effects of Tropical Depression “Queenie.”

Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante said although the rain was not heavy, rescue teams were on the lookout for landslides and flash flood especially in places near the Agusan River.

Seaport operations and commercial flights in and out of Butuan, the regional capital, remain operational, however.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba said in a press release that high-risk areas, particularly coastal and riverside villages, were being monitored for possible flooding and landslides.

Matba said the rescue and relief personnel were on standby status and evacuations sites prepared as precautionary measures.

Maritime and airport operations in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat province have been suspended ahead of the expected landfall of “Queenie” Wednesday afternoon.

Classes at all levels and work in government offices in Dinagat were suspended as heavy rains and strong winds battered the area, Dinagat Islands spokesperson Jane Mayola said in an advisory.

The office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga said it had stockpiled relief goods ready for distribution to affected provinces and towns.

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