Some local government units (LGUs) have already taken steps for the expected hit of Typhoon Odette this week.
In Surigao del Norte, the provincial disaster reduction and management council have convened a meeting with various government agencies to prepare for the typhoon.
According to Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matungas Jr., the forced evacuation of city residents living in coastal and landslide-prone areas will begin Wednesday morning.
It is estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 residents need to be evacuated.
“Forced (evacuation) ito, tapos high tide pa bukas. Ayaw ko rin naman i-risk ‘yong mga buhay ng mga rescuers namin, so we really have to get these people out of the area,” said Matungas.
Among those preparing was resident Braulia Tabuco, who had already packed her and her husband’s clothes.
Tabuco, who lives near the sea, is nervous because she still remembers the experiences of previous severe typhoons.
In Butuan City, the water rescue assets of the Agusan del Sur search and rescue team are ready.
Residents of low-lying areas have also been advised to prepare for possible water rises.
Classes were suspended in some areas in Misamis Oriental and Davao de Oro this Tuesday to Wednesday due to continuous rain and the threat of a typhoon.
Residents of 5 barangays in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, have also been evacuated due to flooding.
In Silago, Southern Leyte, disaster office personnel toured the barangays to alert residents to the upcoming typhoon.
LGUs prepare for typhoon Odette
The local government also advised fishers not to go to sea first.
The regional disaster council canceled all land travel in Eastern Visayas, effective 8 a.m. Tuesday.
The cancellation covers the trip of those coming from Luzon and Mindanao.
The cancellation aims to prevent the increase of stranded people and vehicles at the piers due to the expected cancellation of ship trips, said the Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas.
Trips to Visayas and Mindanao, and Catanduanes and Masbate have also been suspended.
According to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepared more than P951 million in standby funds for those affected by the typhoon.
PAGASA had earlier said that Signal No.3 could be raised in some parts of the country when the typhoon enters – which currently has the international name “Rai” but will be given the local name “Odette” – entering the Philippine area of responsibility.
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