400 people evacuated in Olongapo, Zambales due to ‘Ompong’

Strong winds caused by typhoon “Ompong” uprooted a tree in Barangay Gordon Heights, Olongapo City. (Allan Macatuno)

OLONGAPO CITY – As many as 400 people were evacuated to various relocation sites here and in nearby towns as Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) barreled through northeast Luzon on Saturday.

Acting Olongapo City Mayor Lugie Lipumano-Garcia said 50 families in two landslide-prone and low-lying villages here were asked to leave their houses as strong winds were felt in the city.

Fallen trees blocked roads in the villages of Gordon Heights and Mabayuan prompting rescue personnel to immediately carry out clearing operations.

In Botolan town, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council said 97 families were evacuated from five flood-prone and coastal villages as storm surges of up to six meters threatened these areas.

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