Switch Mode

Bicolanos grapple with Tropical Storm Kristine’s damage, impact


This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Reports from the ground show stranded residents with their farm animals and pets, landslides blocking access to some villages, and continuous rescue and road clearing operations

MANILA, Philippines – Bicol has been one of the hardest hit regions as Tropical Storm Kristine continued to move north northwest, causing heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and landslides in its wake.

On Sunday, October 20 — the same day Kristine entered the Philippine area of responsibility– the Office of Civil Defense raised the red alert status in the region.

Reports from the ground show stranded residents with their farm animals and pets, landslides blocking access to some villages, and continuous rescue and road clearing operations.

Extensive flooding prompted a deluge of rescue calls, overwhelming the rescue teams, according to the Philippine Information Agency office in the region.

A road in Brgy. Nagotgot in Manito, Albay, is not passable due to landslide, fallen trees. Photo from Manito MDRRMO

Local officials have advised residents yet to be rescued to stay on safe, elevated areas as rescue teams try their best to respond.

A total of 92 areas across five regions, Bicol included, are inundated, according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) report as of 8 am on Wednesday, October 23.

Bathing, Adult, Male
STRANDED. Residents, dogs forced to stay on elevated platforms, roofs in Libon, Albay, as they wait for rescue. Photo from Lourdes Capsa
CLEARANCE OPS. Police clear roads of fallen trees in Tabaco City, Albay, on Wednesday, October 23. Photo from Tabaco Mayor Krisel Luistro

Aside from documentation of Kristine’s impact, calls for donations and help have been circulating in social media to help affected people in the province.

(READ: #ReliefPH: How to help communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine)

Clothing, Lifejacket, Vest
EVACUATE. A little girl gets help from Coast Guard member in Naga City, as heavy rainfall, extensive flooding force residents to stay on roofs while waiting for help. Photo from Naga City government
Urban, Adult, Female
RESCUE OPS. Coast Guard conducts rescue operations in Naga City. Photo from Naga City government

NDRRMC reported over 380,000 individuals affected across four regions. The number is expected to rise further as local governments update with reports of numbers of families successfully evacuated and rescued.

In Camarines Sur alone, Governor Luigi Villafuerte posted on Wednesday that 21,300 families or 95,300 individuals have evacuated, while 301 individuals were rescued.

AFFECTED ANIMALS. Carabaos in Libon, Albay, on captured by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Bikol. The agriculture department has yet to release an estimated cost of damage and losses of the sector.
RISING WATER. An inundated bridge in Cabangan, Legazpi City, taken on Tuesday, October 22. Photo from Bicol Movement for Disaster Response

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration expects Kristine to intensify into a severe tropical storm. Kristine could make landfall over Isabela on Wednesday night.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a situation briefing with his Cabinet on Wednesday morning, called departments to prepare and follow regular procedure as “this is just the beginning.”


Bicol rescuers overwhelmed as Tropical Storm Kristine devastates region

– with reports from Reinnard Balonzo/Rappler.com



Source link

Recommendations

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article. PRESS RELEASE: The Professional Regulation Commission announces that 297 out of 327 passed…

Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *