BUTUAN CITY Heavy rains caused by the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) caused flooding in different areas here Tuesday, affecting at least 264 families or around 1,237 individuals.
Residents were advised by the City Information Office (CIO) to take precautionary measures against the effects of the continuing downpours.
“As of noon Tuesday, around 264 families or 1,237 individuals were evacuated from different low-lying barangays,” CIO officer Michiko de Jesus said in an interview, adding that the families are now temporarily sheltered in six evacuation centers here.
Data from the CIO indicated the evacuation of residents in Barangays Libertad, Villa Kanangga, Baan Km. 3, Pangabugan, Maon and Imadejas.
Since Monday, classes remain suspended in the city due to bad weather.
Portions of the major thoroughfares were also flooded that caused heavy traffic.
Likewise, the city disaster risk reduction management office reported rising water level of the Agusan River that traverses the city is nearing critical level, or at 1.19 meters as of noontime.
Evacuation centers
Meanwhile, the quick response team of the city social welfare and development office has been activated to provide an immediate response to residents, especially during evacuations.
The evacuation centers include the Libertad Central Elementary School with 131 families; Pangabugan Multi-Purpose Hall (48 families); Maon Senior Citizens Building (eight families); Villa Kananga Integrated School (65 families); Imadejas Multi-Purpose Hall (two families); and the Ambago Day Care Center (10 families).
Also, personnel from the city health office have been dispatched for the immediate medical needs of the families in the evacuation centers.
The CIO said the number of evacuees is expected to increase as evacuations are still ongoing in the different areas here:
Source: Philippines News Agency