Residents of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur evacuated; Basyang landfall expected

The evacuation center in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is packed as Signal No. 2 remains in effect over the province, with Tropical Storm Basyang expected to make landfall Thursday night or early Friday morning.

According to James Paulo Yap’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” around 140 families have left their homes on Mahaba Island, while 70 families in Barangay San Juan have been evacuated as the Hinatuan local government carried out preemptive evacuations.

San Juan Barangay Captain Andres Gadat Jr. said some families have been staying in nearby sitios whenever there is a storm since the evacuation center cannot accommodate every resident.

Some residents hoped their homes would withstand the storm to avoid the difficulty of evacuating.

Residents of Barangay Aquino also evacuated since some houses are submerge during flooding following an earthquake. They are currently staying at the Hinatuan Southern College.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has also prepared aid for th families affected by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, fishermen have secured their boats to prevent damage from strong waves, as a fishing ban is in effect under Signal No. 2.

Hinatuan Mayor Atty. Tito Caneda III has urged residents to follow LGU advisories to avoid accidents.

All tourism activities, including island hopping and visits to the Enchanted River, have also been temporarily suspended.

Residents in coastal areas are advised to remain alert as heavy to moderate rains with gusty winds continue to affect the municipality. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News