Fisherfolk secure boats, residents prep to evac as Ramil nears Dingalan Aurora

Fisherfolk in Dingalan, Aurora were up early securing their boats and belongings as strong winds and waves from Tropical Storm #RamilPH threatened coastal areas.

Working together, residents pulled their boats onto the seawall to keep them from being swept away or damaged by rough seas. Some fishermen also removed equipment from their boats and tied them down for added safety.

The Bantay Dagat team patrolled the coastline to ensure all fishing boats were brought to safe areas.

“Noong sinabihan namin sila magtaas ng bangka, nakataas naman na agad,” Teresita Pequero of Bantay Dagat said.

(When we advised them to secure their boats, they did so immediately.) 

Before evacuating, some residents secured the roofs and walls of their homes to prevent damage. Many planned to leave for designated evacuation centers before nightfall.

“Kami mamaya lilikas, nakahanda naman na ang mga gamit namin. Mayroon namang mga designated area para sa amin,” William Potencia, a resident, said.

(We will evacuate in a while, our belongings are ready. There are designated areas for us.)

Authorities said around 800 families living along the coast were expected to be evacuated due to the threat of storm surges. The local government also continues to monitor villages at the foot of the mountains for possible landslides.

“Kung talagang magkakaroon ng malakas na ulan ay magkakaroon ng landslide, kaya magsasagawa tayo ng forced evacuation sa mga hazard area,” Mayor Aurora Taay of Dingalan said.

(If heavy rainfall occurs there is the possibility of a landslide, that is why we are implementing a forced evacuation in hazard areas.)

All tourism activities in the province have been suspended, while rescue teams have been deployed to different parts of Aurora for possible emergency response. —Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, GMA Regional TV