Ilocos Sur town orders pre-emptive evacuation as 'Emong' nears
SANTA, Ilocos Sur – The municipal government has ordered the pre-emptive evacuation of residents living in coastal barangays to minimize the impact of typhoon ‘’Emong’’ (international name ‘’Co-May’’).
THE SANTA, Ilocos Sur MDRRMO monitors the national highway as tropical cyclone 'Emong' nears the province. (FB)
“With expected heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, landslides, storm surge, and the possibility of raising tropical cyclone wind signal No. 4 in Ilocos Sur based on latest weather bulletin, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has recommended the urgent need to implement pre-emptive evacuation,” Mayor Jeremy Jesus Bueno III said in a statement Thursday.
Under the two-page Executive Order 106 that Bueno signed on Thursday, the local government designated several evacuation sites such as the Santa Central School, Santa Farmers Multi-purpose Hall, and the Knights of Columbus building.
Pregnant, elderly and sickly evacuees, as well as lactating mothers, meanwhile, were urged to stay at the Rural Health Unit until the typhoon is over.
As of Thursday noon, the town is under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 2.
Bueno said all barangay chairmen and members of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council were mobilized to ensure the organized and safe movement of evacuees before nighttime.
Bueno imposed a temporary liquor ban and enforced curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure public order and safety.
All rescue assets, emergency supplies, and relief resources have already been prepositioned to ensure a well-coordinated emergency response, the mayor said.
Ahead of Emong, an inter-agency disaster preparedness meeting was held, attended by representatives from vital response and support agencies, including the Santa Municipal Police Station, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Rural Health Unit, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Santa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Knights of Columbus, and other local government offices and partners. (PNA)