WATCH: Tropical storm-induced rain floods Tacloban City streets
The streets of Tacloban City have been submerged in floodwaters as tropical storm “Urduja” (international name: Kai-Tak) continues to move toward the provinces of Eastern Visayas.
In a video provided by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) district office in Tacloban City on Saturday, vehicles are seen traversing the flooded areas of the calamity-stricken city.
Personnel of the LTFRB Region 8 said that they have started evacuating their district office due to heavy downpour and strong gusts, according to LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada.
Malls and other commercial establishments have already closed shops due to the inclement weather, Lizada said.
The agency’s district office is located in Downtown Tacloban, close to the Tacloban Port by Cancabato Bay.
“Evacuate kami, sobrang lakas ng hangin grabe (We evacuated because the wind is really strong),” Lizada quoted an official from the district office as saying.
“All malls and other establishments lock down. Napakalakas ng hangin. May kasamang ulan at namumuong ipo ipo (The wind is strong. It is compounded by heavy rains and the swirling winds are building up),” she quoted the official.
As of this posting, the state weather bureau raised Storm Signal No. 2 over the Leyte province. The city council declared Tacloban under a state of calamity on Friday afternoon.
RELATED STORY
LOOK: ‘Urduja’ pummels Tacloban City
Provincial council declares Northern Samar in state of calamity
