LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Local disaster officials here have ordered pre-emptive evacuation, suspension of classes and work on Friday morning due to possible impact of Tropical Storm "Paeng" (international name: Nalgae).
Albay governor and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chairman Noel Rosal issued an advisory to local government units (LGUs) in the province to conduct an immediate pre-emptive evacuation of the population exposed to different typhoon hazards.
Based on the record from the Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), at least 50,857 individuals are on high risk due to flooding; 74,889 individuals are at risk due to landslide; 61,529 individuals are exposed to lahar flow; 75,571 individuals are at risks due to storm surge and 222,617 individuals are threatened by strong winds.
Residents along the coastal areas in the eastern and western part of the province are among the priority of pre-emptive evacuation.
Also residents living at the slope of Mayon Volcano are advised to evacuate to a safer place due to lahar or mudflow.
Observance of physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and wearing of face masks at the evacuation centers are still advised to avoid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Rosal also ordered early dismissal of work in government and private offices effective 3:00 p.m. on Friday while workers at malls, supermarkets, convenient stores, and local markets were advised to be dismissed at 5:00 p.m.
Drug stores and pharmacies will operate on their regular office and working hours while employees in the hospital, uniformed personnel and those involved in the emergency services, preparedness and response works are excluded in the suspension of work, according to Rosal.