Hundreds evacuated in Southern Mindanao ahead of ‘Vinta’ landfall

DAVAO CITY – Hundreds of individuals had been evacuated in several Southern Mindanao provinces as Tropical Storm “Vinta” was nearing land.

In Compostela Valley alone, 1,709 individuals had already been hauled to evacuations centers due to possible landslides and storm surges.

The ferry service between Samal Island and Davao City was also suspended as Signal No. 2 was declared over the whole of Davao del Norte.

In Davao Oriental, at least 5,000 individuals had been evacuated from their homes in the towns of Baganga and  Cateel, according to Lt. Col. Jake Obligado of the 67th Infantry Battalion.

In Lupon, Davao Oriental, Mayor Erlinda Lim suspended work at the town hall for Friday.

Lim also ordered the  prepositioning of relief goods and rescue teams and equipment, according to Roy Paran, the Lupon information officer.