Over 500 families in Isabela in evacuation centers due to Paolo 

Over 500 families are temporarily seeking shelter in evacuation centers in various parts of Isabela due to Severe Tropical Storm Paolo. 

According to the report of GMA Regional TV’s Jasmin Gabriel-Galban on “24 Oras” on Friday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is expecting the numbers to still rise as the evacuation of residents from low-lying barangays is ongoing. 

Paolo made landfall over Dinapigue town at 9 a.m., causing trees to sway due to the strong winds and heavy rains. The same scenario was observed in the town of Divilacan. 

With the inclement weather, residents of Barangay Cabugao in Echague were evacuated earlier in the day. 

“We have residents in low-lying areas and once the water level rises, we can force them to evacuate and bring them here,” said barangay chairperson Joseph Tuliao.

Myra Esquejo and her two-year-old child chose to evacuate due to the fear of trees falling onto their house. 

“The wind was so strong…So we want to be safe…The trees may crush our house,” she said. 

The local authorities in Echague are closely monitoring the fast-rising water level of the river. 

While the weather conditions improved, residents were still encouraged to evacuate due to the threat of floods. 

“We are continuously monitoring the major bridges and major roads so we can advise the residents,” said Echague Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Melissa Corpuz. 

Meanwhile, some barangays in 17 areas in Isabela still have no power supply. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News