471 families evacuated as ‘Chedeng’ landfalls in Davao Occidental

MALITA, Davao Occidental — At least 471 families evacuated to safer ground and evacuation area here and the nearby town of Don Marcelino, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

Harry Camoro, PDRRMC action officer, told the Inquirer that they ordered pre-emptive evacuation starting Monday afternoon for the safety of the residents living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas.

He said 199 families from this town and 272 from Don Marcelino were now at the evacuation center.

However, the number may rise if the rains continue until this evening  (March 19).

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office also provided food packs for the displaced families.

Governor Claude Bautista issued a memorandum of class suspension in both private and public schools at all levels on Monday afternoon.

Bautista called on residents to be alert and ensure their children and properties safe from the floods.

Camoro also said they experienced light to moderates rains since early Tuesday.

Tropical Depression Chedeng would continue to bring much-needed rain to most parts of Mindanao today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The state weather bureau said Mindanao has been receiving “way below normal” or a 60-percent reduction in rainfall in the past two months due to the weak El Niño.

Chedeng was expected to weaken into a low-pressure area after landfall but would continue to dump rains over the region, according to Pagasa./lzb