Manila: Over 120,000 families, equating to almost 433,000 individuals, have been preemptively evacuated to mitigate the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

According to Philippines News Agency, OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, revealed during an online press briefing that the majority of evacuees are from Region 5 (Bicol Region), Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and Region 4-B (Mimaropa). These regions lie directly in the storm's path.

Alejandro reported, 'Opong's eye passed through Samar and made its second landfall in Palanas, Masbate. As we speak, it is now over Masbate.' He emphasized the continuous operations and detailed the efforts underway to monitor Opong's impact closely.

The OCD health cluster has ensured adequate medical supplies, while other assets such as aircraft and ships remain on standby. The OCD's search, rescue, and retrieval cluster is prepared to respond if needed.

Alejandro highlighted the readiness of approximately 52,000 personnel to support local government units as required. He also reassured the public about the availability of sufficient food and non-food items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, alongside around PHP3 billion in standby funds.

In terms of telecommunications, Alejandro noted that resources are fully prepared, with nearly 833 teams or pieces of equipment ready from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and other agencies.