Arroyo orders massive evacuation in 2 provinces (4:55 p.m.)
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered Saturday the massive “preemptive evacuation” of residents in Aurora and Quezon provinces after typhoon “Mina” changed its course from the Bicol Region to the two Southern Luzon provinces.
According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Arroyo ordered the mobilization of all available equipment necessary for the evacuation, to ensure that everyone is safe.
The President also instructed government relief personnel to ensure that food, water and medicines are pre-positioned in strategic locations for easy access in times of need.
In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, NDCC spokesman and concurrent Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) deputy administrator Anthony Golez said the concerned provincial disaster coordinating councils (PDCCs) have been alerted on the necessity to evacuate the residents of flood-prone areas.
“The President has instructed the NDCC to take precautionary and preventive measures. Provincial governors have been alerted and all contingency plans are in place,” said Golez, adding that evacuation in the two areas may involve tens of thousands of residents.
“The direction (of the typhoon) is heading to Aurora. We have already informed the local officials to relay the instruction of the President for preemptive evacuation, specifically in the coastline, mountain slopes and those near the rivers,” said Golez. (Sunnex)
Leave a Reply