More than 20K individuals evacuate due to Ramil

A total of 22,311 individuals or 7,884 families from Calabarzon and Region 5 were pre-emptively evacuated due to the expected effects of Tropical Storm Ramil (Fengshen), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday. 

Thirty-nine seaports stopped operations and canceled trips temporarily, the NDRRMC said in its 6 a.m. situational report.

These are in Region 3 (one), Calabarzon (12), and Region 5 (26).

As a result, passengers and sea vessels got stranded.

A total of 3,242 passengers, 1,050 rolling cargoes, six vessels, and seven motorbancas got stranded, the NDRRMC said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Ramil maintained its strength while over the coastal waters of Alabat, Quezon. 

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over 17 areas. 

PAGASA also hoisted a gale warning over the eastern and western seaboards of Luzon.

It also said that a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge with waves reaching up to 2.0 meters within 36 hours may affect the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Masbate. —KG, GMA Integrated News