Bicol: The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) reported on Saturday that 96 families, totaling 275 individuals, have sought refuge in evacuation centers as persistent rains from Tropical Depression Wilma and the shearline continue to impact the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, OCD-5 spokesperson Gremil Alexis Naz stated that the majority of the evacuees are from Masbate, accounting for 92 families, or 262 individuals, while the remaining four families, comprising 13 individuals, are from Catanduanes.

In addition, 4,142 passengers remain stranded in several ports across the region. Specifically, 3,550 passengers are stranded in Sorsogon, 369 in Masbate, 216 in Albay, and seven in Camarines Norte. Compounding the travel disruptions, a total of 1,132 rolling cargoes, two vessels, and two motorbancas have been unable to proceed due to the rough sea conditions.

The agency has also reported flooding in five villages located in Albay and Camarines Sur, namely Masarawag and Maguiron in Guinobatan, Vel-Amor in Legazpi City, and Sabang and Bunot Santa Rosa in Calabanga. Several roads have become impassable, including six village roads in Guinobatan and Nabua, Camarines Sur, affecting 18 villages across the Bicol region.

To alleviate the situation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol has provided assistance to those stranded. At Pio Duran Port in Albay, 216 boxes of ready-to-eat food were distributed to passengers heading to Masbate. Additionally, 400 boxes were given to 2,000 locally stranded individuals at Matnog Port, with another 28 boxes distributed to passengers waiting at Castilla Port, both in Sorsogon. Furthermore, hot meals were served to 400 individuals in Matnog.