Pre-emptive evacuation on-going in Bicol, Samar as Bising intensifies

Pre-emptive evacuation has been ordered in some areas in the Bicol Region and Samar province as Typhoon Bising intensified on Saturday.

This was disclosed by the regional councils during the third pre-disaster risk assessment meeting conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Saturday afternoon.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) for Bicol said it has initiated pre-emptive evacuation in parts of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, the RDRRMC for Eastern Visayas said it likewise started evacuation in parts of Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

Different government agencies also said they have prepared their response teams and resources in preparation for the typhoon.

In a statement, the NDRRMC said P182 million worth of food packs in different warehouses in the country are being prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Government fund amounting to P556 million is also on standby, DSWD Director Clifford Riveral reported during the meeting.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard said their respective response teams were already on standby and instructed to assist the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC).

Nine regions were already instructed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct Oplan Listo that includes observing minimum public health protocols for COVID-19.

On the other hand, the Department of Health has committed to monitor health situation in the areas expected to be affected by the typhoon.

The DOH is also preparing deliveries of additional personal protective equipment and medicines to the local government units, according to Dr. Ronald Law.

The NDRRMC reminded the public to monitor, take precautionary measures, and follow authorities in the following days.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted over 15 areas on Saturday morning as Bising slightly intensified while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has not yet ruled out the possibility of a landfall scenario.

On Sunday, the cloud bands  of Bising will bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Camotes Islands.

On Monday, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are expected over Northern Samar and Bicol Region.

Under the said conditions, flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides may occur especially in areas identified in hazard maps as highly or very highly susceptible to the hazards. -MDM, GMA News