Panic buying as Hagupit threatens to make PH landfall

MANILA, Philippines – Panic buying ensued in Yolanda-affected areas as Typhoon Hagupit inched toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, December 3. 

People in some parts of Leyte, Biliran, and other provinces in the Visayas flocked to groceries and gasoline stations in anticipation of power outages that could be caused by Typhoon Hagupit, which would be named Ruby once it enters the PAR Thursday, December 4. 

“Mas maayo man ng mangandam lage (It’s best to always be prepared),” said one of those lining up at the Prince Mall in Baybay town to buy canned goods, noodles, and other basic commodities. 

The typhoon was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday, December 4, and to make landfall in Borongan, Eastern Samar, evening of Saturday, December 6.In Ormoc, a gasoline station decided to set a limit of P100 worth of kerosene to be sold per customer so as to accommodate as many buyers as possible.

Several schools in Visayas have announced the suspension of classes for Thursday, December 4, to allow students to prepare for the possible landfall of the typhoon. – with reports from Jhay Gaspar and Rey Comabig/Rappler.com

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