Hundreds evacuated in Isabela ahead of Dodong

CAGAYAN, Philippines – Hundreds of families have been moved to evacuation centers in Isabela and Cagayan provinces, hours before Typhoon Dodong (international name: Noul) is expected to make landfall over the eastern coasts of Cagayan.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (PDRRMC) of Cagayan and Isabela implemented on Saturday, May 9, pre-emptive evacuations in coastal towns and landslide- and flood-prone areas.

In Benito Soliven town in Isabela, which is prone to landslides during heavy rains, the disaster and rescue team evacuated at least 69 families, PDRRMC-Isabela chief Edmond Guzman reported.

Some 133 families were also evacuated in Digumased village in the coastal town of Dinapigue, Isabela.

Guzman said they have already prepositioned rescue equipment and trucks in the province.

As of 11 pm, there are still no signs of Typhoon Dodong’s wrath in most parts of the region, although the coastal towns of Palanan and Dinapigue already experienced isolated rainshowers late afternoon.

Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III said the extent of the local government’s preparation stems from the hard lesson learned in 2010, when Typhoon Juan  flattened the town of Palanan, leaving dozens dead and billions of pesos worth of damages.

Cebu Pacific Air cancelled its Manila-Tuguegarao flights and vice versa on Sunday, May 10, due to severe weather conditions. – Rappler.com