Over 96,000 families preemptively evacuated due to Rolly —NDRRMC

More than 96,000 families were preemptively evacuated due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly, the National Disaster Risk Reduction on Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday. 

At a press briefing, NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said the total number of families evacuated is 96,543, which is equivalent to 346,993 individuals. 

"'Yung figures reported on preemptive evacuation a while ago ay 96,543 families or 346,993 individuals. 'Yun ang correct and official figures," Jalad said. 

On Saturday, Jalad reported that more or less one million people have already been evacuated in the Bicol region due to Rolly. The number is higher compared to the figures released today. 

Jalad then apologized over the discrepancy of the figures. 

"Ako ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa discrepancy ng report natin kagabi. Hindi naman sinasadya 'yun. It's not intentional on my part," he added. 

These came from Regions III, V, VIII, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said local government units should ensure that proper health protocols are being observed in evacuation centers. 

"Siguro wala naman tayong problema sa washing kasi wala naman tayo problema sa water... Kailangan lang siguro ng mga LGUs, mag-provide ng mga sabon saka 'yung mga washing basin. That's the responsibility of the LGUs na," Lorenzana said. 

Earlier, the NDRRMC said between 19 to 31 million people could be affected by Rolly based on its track. 

State weather agency PAGASA said Rolly is traversing the westward direction at 25 kilometers per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 225 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 310 km/h.

Rolly made its first landfall over Bato, Catanduanes at 4:50 a.m. on Sunday. 

It had its second landfall in Tiwi, Albay at 7:20 a.m. on Sunday. —KG, GMA News