AURORA officials hold a briefing on 'Paolo.' (FB)
BALER, Aurora – No casualties were reported from severe tropical storm “Paolo” that made landfall in this province on Friday morning.
No serious damage to properties and agriculture were also reported as of posting time.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Elson Egargue said 2,949 families or 7,825 individuals are staying in evacuation centers in the province.
A power outage was reported at around 7:20 a.m. in the towns of Dinapigue, Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan due to heavy rain.
Engineer Roderick Andal, chief of the Aurora District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said that the Baler-Casiguran Road leading to northern Aurora towns is passable.
Andal said standby equipment were positioned in all landslide-prone road sections.
The Philippine Coast Guard said no fishing or sailing was imposed in the sea of Aurora.
Egargue said residents still staying in evacuation centers were advised not to return home yet to ensure their safety until the weather improves.
He said that some 1,000 food packs have been distributed to several evacuees on the instruction of Gov. Isidro Galban.
Galban lauded the zero casualty statistics and ordered the PDRRMO to start clearing areas affected by Pablo.