By Sarwell Meniano / Philippine News Agency
At least 82,080 residents in Eastern Visayas as of Thursday (Dec. 16) morning have heeded the call for early evacuation ahead of Typhoon Odette’s landfall, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
The PNP said these residents belonging to 22,110 families are now taking shelter in 274 evacuation centers in the provinces of Southern Leyte, Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Biliran.
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chair Lord Byron Torrecarion has lauded the proactive measures of local government units in moving residents away from the shoreline, low-lying communities, and landslide-prone areas.
“Pre-emptive evacuation is necessary to ensure zero casualties during the onslaught of the typhoon. Our local governments have been prepared and their response is outstanding,” Torrecarion said in a phone interview.
The cancellation of trips of sea vessels carrying passengers from Northern Samar to Luzon and Southern Leyte to Mindanao has stranded 956 passengers and 539 rolling cargoes.
Local governments in six provinces of the region have suspended work and classes at all levels as early as Dec. 15.
As of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, the center of the typhoon was estimated at 175 km. east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 25 kph. (PNA) – jlo
