SUBIC, Zambales — A total of 52 families, or 143 individuals, were evacuated late Saturday night, July 19, from landslide-prone areas in Barangays Wawandue and Cawag due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Crising.
The pre-emptive evacuation was ordered by Mayor Jon Khonghun to prevent possible casualties amid the threat of landslides. According to Public Information Officer Juan Deveraturda, the decision was made to prioritize the safety of residents as the rains persisted.
Evacuees were relocated to the campus of Kolehiyo ng Subic, which was temporarily converted into an evacuation center. Chief-of-Staff Janjo Khonghun visited the evacuees and distributed food packs and other essential supplies.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) head Danilo Macamay said the evacuees may stay at the shelter for two to three days, depending on weather conditions. The number of displaced residents may increase if the heavy rains continue, according to Roxanne Alcayaga, acting head of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD).
The evacuation effort was carried out by personnel from the MDRRMO, Subic Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Subic Rescue Team under SPOSO, MSWD, and barangay officials led by Barangay Captain Francis Cejares of Wawandue.
Medical personnel from the Regional Health Unit (RHU) are set to conduct health check-ups to ensure the well-being of evacuees during their stay.