Project NOAH MTSAT image as of December 7, 2014, 1.14 PM. Screengrab from https://noah.dost.gov.ph/
ILOILO CITY, Philippines–Villagers fleeing from the wrath of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) have sought cover in caves in Iloilo as tens of thousands fled their homes in Western Visayas.
A total of 397 families or about 2,000 people from three villages have been staying in caves on Gigantes Island, in Carles town in Iloilo, as part of pre-emptive evacuations, according to Iloilo provincial administrator Raul Banias.
Carles was one of northern Iloilo towns hardest hit by last year’s Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Northern Iloilo was among the areas placed under Storm Signal No. 2 as of Sunday morning.
Gigantes Island, known for its pristine white beaches, clear waters and rock formations, is still recovering from the devastation wrought by Yolanda. Villagers also sought refuge in caves in last year’s supertyphoon.
The Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas reported that pre-emptive evacuations involved 74,634 persons or 19,926 families as of 8 a.m. Sunday. Evacuations were reported in 41 towns and cities in Western Visayas covering the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras and Negros Occidental.
The number is expected to increase as the typhoon is projected to hit the region Sunday afternoon or evening.
In Iloilo alone, the number of evacuees mostly in northern Iloilo reached 58,641 persons or 13,960 families as of 9 a.m. Sunday, according to Banias.
The Coast Guard has suspended travel between Iloilo and Guimaras and between Iloilo and Bacolod cities. Travel has also been stopped between the Caticlan port and Boracay Island in Aklan.
