Albay evacuees told to remain in Holding centers amidst flood, landslide threats

LEGAZPI CITY — With intermittent to continuous rains still prevailing in Albay and threats of floods and landslides linger, local disaster managers in the province on Wednesday (January 12) told evacuees to remain in their holding camps.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, also chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Management Council (PDRRMC), has reminded the evacuees to remain in evacuation centers as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that flash floods and landslides continue to threaten Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA said that the northeast monsoon prevailing over Northern and Central Luzon and the diffused tail-end of a cold front affecting Southern Luzon and Visayas, could bring rains that could trigger flash floods and landslides.

Albay has recorded 73 landslides during past 22-day torrential rains that sent more than a hundred thousand of residents at the temporary shelters during the peak of pre-emptive evacuation for lahar, flash floods and landslides victims.

Salceda has reminded landslide evacuees in the towns of Manito, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Camalig and Daraga to remain in the evacuation centers, and the local government units (LGUs) should remain on alert as well.

According to the governor, classes in schools not being used as evacuation centers will continue. Work in government offices will also continue to allow the better provision of services to the people.

Salceda also advised the residents to bring protective gears like umbrellas and raincoats, and avoid crossing rivers during heavy rains or wade in floodwaters, particularly the children.

“After 22-days of continuous rains, drinking water could start to be problematic," he said, adding that “the province will utilize the water purifying machine from a Manila water utility firm in addition to its own 30-liter per hour water purifying machine. This will assure the availability of potable water for the residents.”

Despite three reported casualties, the governor said officials and the Albayanos will continue to work harder to achieve “zero-casualty”amidst the erratic weather in the province.

PNoy to visit Albay

Meanwhile, President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III is expected to visit on Friday January (14) three provinces, including Albay, Leyte and Agusan del Norte, that were recently hit by floods and landslides.

A Palace advisory said the President would like to see the extent of the damage and "check the progress of the concerned agencies on the ground to see what else can be done to assist the victims." (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)