The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has conducted preemptive and forced evacuation in areas in Batangas with a high chance of experiencing severe danger due to super typhoon “Pepito.”
The PDRRMC chaired by Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, citing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), warned that heavy rainfall could generate volcanic sediment flow or lahar and muddy stream flows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas in Taal Volcano.
Muddy and debris flow can recur in previously affected communities of Agoncillo, Laurel, and Talisay towns.
Mandanas has issued Memorandum No. 6 directing the continuous implementation of heightened alert emergency preparedness and response throughout the province due to Pepito.
Under heightened alert, the Emergency Operations Center has been directed to preemptively or forcibly evacuate communities, mobilize rapid deployment teams, and ensure the readiness of response facilities, among others.
Dr. Amor Banuelos Calayan, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said they will conduct forced evacuation today on Saturday, Nov. 16.
She said all people living in low-lying areas, especially around Taal Lake, have been advised to evacuate as soon as possible.
Cuenca Mayor Alex Magpantay said that 26 families or 85 individuals have been evacuated from the coastal barangays of Calumayin and Don Juan and transferred to the Bungahan Evacuation Center.
The evacuation was conducted by the Cuenca Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has canceled all shipping line trips in the Port of Batangas.
Batangas is under tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1.