BALER, Aurora — At least families 646 families or 1,966 individuals in this province were preemptively evacuated Monday night to ensure their safety from the onslaught of Typhoon Rosita.
The move is part of the disaster preparedness efforts of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by acting governor Rommel Rico T. Angara.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Amado Elson A. Egargue, said residents preemptively evacuated are mostly living in high-risk areas.
“They were preemptively evacuated as most of them living in flood and landslide prone areas. We want to ensure their safety,” Egargue told the Philippine News Agency.
Aside from pre-emptive evacuation, he said that classes in all levels, as well as work in the government and private offices in the province, were suspended until Wednesday.
He also said that a no fishing and sailing policy is now in effect province-wide.
“All water sports and tourism- related activities were likewise suspended,” he said.
The PDRRMO head also said that pre-positioning of food packs and all assets, including heavy equipment have been made.
Meanwhile, a search and rescue operation is being conducted for a 23-year-old construction worker who reportedly drowned in Barangay Butas na Bato, Dingalan town on Monday.
Senior Insp. Desiree Buluag identified the victim as Marvin Macapugay, a resident of Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
Buluag said the victim, together with four others, were overwhelmed by raging waves while walking along the bay.
The four others were saved by their companions, but unfortunately, the fifth victim remains missing as of press time, she added. (Jason De Asis/PNA)