By Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Tropical Depression “Samuel” temporarily displaced an estimated 725 families in four municipalities in Palawan, a Friday update from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said.
The report, which was released by PDRRMO chief Jerry Alili, said the municipal DRRMOs evacuated late Wednesday night 142 families in Araceli town, 314 in Cuyo, 99 in Magsaysay, and 170 in Taytay.
“But they also returned home the next day (Thursday) because although there was strong wind, there was really not so much rain. Some areas reported about experiencing torrential rains, however, they did not last long,” Alili told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Alili said they did not record any landslide report, but only minor flooding in Cuyo that also subsided due to the absence of continuous heavy rains.
Municipal DRRMO operation centers were deactivated Thursday afternoon, but some staff and personnel continue to work to monitor the aftermath of “Samuel”.
Based on his assessment, Alili said reliable communications facilities must be set up in the remote island municipalities of Araceli and Dumaran, northern Palawan.
He said local government officials must also strictly implement the recalling of risk reduction officials on leave to manage the emergent needs of the people.
“Generally, we are happy that preparations were executed well. But in other municipalities, there is really a need to establish good communication tools due to their distances. Also, risk reduction officials must be immediately recalled if they are on leave,” he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Samuel” has moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 470 kilometers west northwest of Palawan.
