Evacuees in Masantol sent home after weather stabilizes

RESIDENTS who took temporary shelter in evacuation centers in Masantol town were given the clearance to go home Tuesday, November 3, after Typhoon Rolly was confirmed to have exited the Philippine area of responsibility.

Mayor Danilo Guintu said around 800 families were evacuated over the weekend from their houses situated along the Pampanga River as part of the preemptive measures implemented for the expected heavy onslaught of the typhoon.

Most of the evacuees came from the left bank portion of the Pampanga River where water surges are more prone during onslaught of typhoon, the mayor said.

"Fortunately, we were spared by the wrath of 'Rolly' and only brought minimal disturbance such as flooding which we are already used of. So we already allowed the evacuees to go back home," he said.

Guintu also said that their portion of the Pampanga River is stable and a little far from overflowing as of Monday.

He said, however, that continuous monitoring is still being implemented to ensure that all residents are safe from possible flash floods and water surges.

"Through the guidance and assistance of our provincial government and the cooperation of Masantoleños, we can continue to surpass all typhoons and calamities that may come," Guintu said.