The local government unit (LGU) of Bindoy in Negros Oriental is preemptively evacuating residents in the wake of Typhoon Odette which is heading towards the Visayas region.
Wilfur D. Herrera Jr., focal person of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday that so far, 37 families (152 individuals) are now temporarily staying at the Bindoy Central School and 11 families are at the Tinaogan Elementary School.
Evacuation started Wednesday evening and continued on Thursday, he said.
Those staying at the Central School are from Barangay Cabugan and nearby areas while those at the Tinaogan Elementary School are from Sitio Cambihod and coastal areas of Barangay Tinaogan, the LDRRMO chief said.
“We are expecting more families and individuals to arrive today as some are saying they still need to secure their livestock and farm animals before evacuating,” Herrera said.
Residents from areas that are prone to storm surge, flooding, and landslides are urged to seek safer ground before the storm hits the province, he said.
The Bindoy LGU has started distributing food packs and basic necessities to the evacuees, he added.
The preemptive evacuation was ordered as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hoisted Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 over Negros Oriental and other parts of the country Thursday morning.
This prompted a number of LGUs, schools, and government offices to declare a suspension of work and classes.
Guihulngan City Mayor Carlo Jorge Reyes issued an executive order temporarily suspending classes in public and private schools and work in government offices and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) beginning at noon “until the last working hour of December 17, 2021”.
“However, offices performing the functions of risk reduction and management and public safety shall maintain operations to ensure continuity of the delivery of services to the public,” he added in his executive order.
Foundation University, Silliman University, and the Negros Oriental State University also issued their respective orders for the suspension of classes and work and/or with work-from-home arrangements.
The Land Transportation Office and Commission on Elections also ceased operations.
PAGASA’s weather bulletin issued at 11 a.m. said the center of the eye of Typhoon Odette was estimated to be 175 kilometers east of Surigao City.
The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds in the Visayas beginning Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
Source: Philippines News Agency