Preventive evacuation starts in Batanes as Leon threatens Northern Luzon

The Itbayat District Hospital is on alert as the entire Batanes province is placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 30 due to Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey). (Photo by Nathan Alcantara)

ITBAYAT, Batanes — Local officials started the preventive evacuation for some residents in this northernmost island town on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in preparation for the expected impact of Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey).

At least 12 persons, mostly children, were evacuated to safety after their homes in Barangay Sta. Lucia were deemed vulnerable to landslides, the Inquirer learned.

Among those taken to a temporary shelter is a 1-year-old baby.

Since Tuesday, residents in the area began securing their roofs and windows with ropes as strong gale-force winds were felt in the area due to Leon.

Batanes is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Leon was threatening extreme northern Luzon as it gained strength on Wednesday morning, Pagasa said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

The state weather bureau said Leon was last monitored 360 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan. INQ