Preemptive evacuation strongly recommended in Cagayan towns

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has urged local officials of areas in the path of typhoon Dodong to carry out preemptive evacuation measures due to threats of flooding, storm surges and landslides.

In particular, the towns of Sta. Ana, Gonzaga and Buguey in Cagayan were vulnerable to storm surges, landslides and flooding due to the typhoon.

“We advised our local officials and residents in Cagayan to conduct preemptive evacuation because of these threats, which may happen,” said NDRRMC executive director Alexander Pama in a briefing on Sunday.

As of Sunday morning, 352 families or 1,213 people in Isabela evacuated their homes ahead of time, particularly those in Maconacon, Dinapigue, Palanan and Benito Soliven.

The military and the police were deployed during the weekend to aid in the preemptive evacuation of residents whose homes were in the typhoon’s projected path.

READ: ‘Dodong’ to weaken as it makes landfall in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Storm surges of up to 1.64 meters are expected in the three Cagayan towns, as well as flooding and landslides in these areas.

Dodong was expected to make landfall between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday in Sta. Ana Cagayan.

Pama advised residents to be alert as Dodong would make itself felt on Sunday night.

“Please avoid hiding under trees or structures, which may be uprooted because of the strong winds,” the NDRRMC chief added. SFM/AC