‘Kristine’ strong winds force evacuation of 244 families in Antique

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -A total of 244 families or 759 individuals in Antique evacuated to safer places due to strong winds brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported. The families are from the towns of Anini-y, Tibiao, Libertad, San Jose de Buenavista, Tobias Fornier, Barbaza, San Remigio, and Bugasong, said Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino in an interview on Thursday. 'Of the 244 families evacuated in the eight towns of the province, 193 families are inside the evacuation centers being taken care of by their respective local government units,' Tolentino said. The 51 other families opted to stay with their relatives until the weather improved. He added that fishing and passenger vessels are also advised not to venture out to the sea due to strong to gale-force winds affecting the Visayas seaboard, including Antique. The Philippine Coast Guard also issued a travel advisory canceling trips from the Lipata port going to Mararison, Culasi, Libertad, and Caluya towns. On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways Antique Engineering District advised commuters to take the coastal road in Anini-y town instead of the Hamtic road going to Iloilo. DPWH Information Officer Primrose Zamora said in an interview that while there is no road depression in Sitio Maalan, Barangay Caromangay in Hamtic, commuters are advised to take the coastal road in Anini-y for their safety. 'The road section from Antique to Iloilo, particularly in Sitio Maalan, Barangay Caromangay, Hamtic, frequently experiences road depression. That is why we are advising the commuters to take the alternative road in Anini-y,' Zamora said. Road-clearing operations are also underway with the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection and barangay officials, particularly along Barangay Cubay Sermon in Sibalom, to help ensure the safety of motorists. Antique remains under Tropical Cyclo ne Wind Signal No. 1. Source: Philippines News agency