OCD: Preemptive evacuation implemented in Quezon amid Ramil

Around 2,467 individuals or 804 families were preemptively evacuated in Quezon amid the anticipated landfall of Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) in the vicinity of the province, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday.

Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB, OCD Region 4-A spokesperson Reyan Derrick Marquez said these individuals are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers.

In Polillo Island, preemptive evacuation was conducted in some towns, Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Melchor Avenilla Jr. said in a separate Super Radyo dzBB interview.

"Kagabi, dire-diretso sila sa pagsasagawa ng evacuation (Last night, they continued the evacuation)," he said.

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 Ramil, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

Meanwhile, the local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard have prohibited all sea activities in the coasts of Quezon, Avenilla said.

"So pagtawid ng dagat, even surfing activities ay hindi po 'yan pinapayagan sa aming lalawigan as of this morning," he said.

(So crossing the sea and even surfing activities are not allowed by our province as of this morning.)

Due to the strong winds, a preventive power interruption was also carried out in Alabat, Quezon, which is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 based on PAGASA’s 8 a.m. weather bulletin, Marquez said.

In Cavite, moderate rains were observed while light rains were monitored in Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, Marquez said.

He added that no untoward or related incidents have been reported in the region so far due to Ramil.

Heed warnings

However, Marquez urged the public to be vigilant and listen to the orders and warnings of concerned government agencies and local government units.

“Monitor natin 'yung mga weather update, warning at advisories coming from our agencies tulad ng ating NDRRMC, at the same mga local councils,” Marquez said.

(Let us monitor the weather updates, warnings, and advisories coming from our agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and local councils.)

“To areas susceptible to landslides, mag-evacuate tayo. Alamin ang evacuation plan ng community at i-check ang integrity ng ating mga bahay,” he added.

(To areas susceptible to landslides, evacuate. Know the evacuation plan of your community and check the integrity of your houses.)

Go bags

Marquez also reminded the public to prepare their go bags or survival kits and to place their livestock and pet animals in safer grounds.

To avoid fire and electrocution amid the storm, Marquez urged the public to turn off the electrical switch near water sources and to stay away from the window amid the strong gust of winds. —KG, GMA Integrated News