BALER, Aurora — The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMC) here on Thursday ordered the preemptive evacuation of all residents living in high-risk areas in this town due to the threat of Typhoon Ompong.
Mayor and MDRRMC chairperson Nelianto Bihasa, in his directive, said the move is part of the precautionary measures to prevent casualties.
In case of residents’ refusal, Bihasa said forced evacuation will be implemented if the situation warrants.
“Evacuees already have a designated place to stay in,” he noted.
To be evacuated are those living near the coastal areas of Baler Bay in Barangay Sabang and in the landslide-prone area of Sitio Duguisit in Barangay Zabali.
Guests staying in seaside hotels and inns will also be included in the evacuation due to possible storm surge.
MDRRMO head Gabriel Llave said they already suspended all tourism-related activities from Sept. 14 to 16, including all kinds of water and mountain adventures.
The suspension of classes in all both private and public schools, as well as work in all government offices except those directly involved in disaster risk reduction and management, was declared until Friday.
Llave also said the municipal government department heads were directed to maintain a skeletal workforce.
“Prepositioning of heavy equipment of Baler LGU (local government unit) and relief goods were done,” he added. (Jason De Asis/PNA)
