‘Jolina’ prompts evacuation of 5,936 residents in Quezon

LUCENA CITY––At least 5,936 residents in Quezon were evacuated Tuesday up to early Wednesday to temporary shelters as Severe Tropical Storm “Jolina” (International name: Conson) brought strong winds and heavy rains.

Melchor Avenilla Jr., Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chief, said in his report that as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, 1,626 families sought shelter in evacuation centers.

Most of the evacuees were from areas prone to landslides, flash floods, storm surges, and other identified dangerous areas.

Local social workers and health authorities attended to the evacuees to enforce health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Avenilla said the storm destroyed a spillway in Butanguiad village in San Francisco town.

San Narciso town authorities have also been searching for a missing person in the locality, he added.

Gov. Danilo Suarez suspended classes in schools and work in government offices in the province Wednesday.

Work in government offices was also suspended, except agencies involved with public health and safety, Suarez added.

Work suspension in private companies, businesses, and financial institutions shall be under the discretion of their management, Suarez explained.

Jolina made landfall in the island province of Marinduque early Wednesday morning after crossing southern Quezon on Tuesday.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is still raised over Quezon province, including the Polillo group of islands.

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