TUGUEGARAO CITY: Local authorities in various parts of Cagayan province are now implementing forced evacuation to minimize the impact of Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi). Through Executive Order No. 45-2024, Mayor Nelson Robinion of Santa Ana, Cagayan has mobilized the local police and village officials for the transport of the highly vulnerable residents in Barangay Casambalangan due to storm surge warning. Other high-risk areas followed suit. According to Philippines News Agency, Robinion emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of residents to minimize potential loss of life, injury, and property damage. The executive order signed on Thursday covers all Santa Ana residents living in areas at risk of flooding, landslides, and other related hazards caused by Typhoon Ofel. Designated evacuation centers have been opened to ensure their safety. While most parts of Tuguegarao City are still flooded, City Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate before condi tions worsen. She assured residents that there is sufficient space and food in evacuation centers, with additional food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) being prepared for delivery. Currently, at least 32 evacuation sites are open to accept evacuees, with 855 families or 3,257 individuals already taking shelter as reported by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. In a press briefing conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mia Carbonel, spokesperson of the OCD Region 2, confirmed that all concerned government agencies and local government units in the region are on full alert for the worst-case scenario. The state weather bureau has advised residents along mountain slopes to be vigilant about possible landslides, mudslides, rockslides, and flash floods. In its 8 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that Typhoon Ofel continues to weaken as it moves towards Babuyan Isl ands. The typhoon was last estimated to be over the coastal waters of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 255 km/h.