Bicol governors enforce preemptive evacuation due to Typhoon Bising

The governors of Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur in Bicol region enforced on Sunday, April 18, preemptive evacuation among their constituents in light of Typhoon Bising (Surigae). As of Sunday evening, the typhoon continued to trigger rain in Bicol and Eastern Visayas even without making landfall.

Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office (Apsemo), said that over 10,000 families or 50,000 people in Albay were ordered to leave the province’s danger zones, as storm surges, flooding, lahar flow, and landslides may occur. Danger zones include the coastal areas of the eastern seaboard; floodplains; river channels; steep slopes; and areas near Mayon Volcano, Mt. Masaraga, and Mt. Malinao.

Albay governor Al Francis Bichara reiterated to the public to strictly observe the minimum COVID-19 public health protocols, which include physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and wearing of face mask.

No travel to Visayas and Mindanao

Starting Friday, April 16, the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) prohibited all land and sea travel, including those of fishing vessels, from the region to Visayas and Mindanao.  The DOTr also advised trucking and logistics companies and buses to postpone trips in order to avoid long queues.

As of Sunday, at least 5,151 individuals have been evacuated from Catanduanes, 1,492 from Camarines Sur, and 96 from Sorsogon, OCD Bicol reported.

At least 840 passengers were stranded in Bicol’s various seaports, while 172 trucks, 102 light vehicles, and 5 vessels in Matnog were also stranded. – Rappler.com